Sharjah International Narrator Forum 26 Brings the World’s Stories Together, Building Bridges of Knowledge and Friendship
articipants from Arab, European and Asian countries have affirmed that the 26th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum has established itself as an international platform bringing together storytellers, researchers and specialists in intangible cultural heritage, while creating broad spaces for dialogue, exchange of expertise and exploration of collective memory through approaches that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
The participants praised the diversity that characterises the forum and the opportunities it provides for meetings, discussions, artistic and heritage experiences, bringing together participants from more than 30 countries. They noted that the theme of this year’s edition, “Stories of Friends,” has given the programme a human and cultural dimension, highlighting friendship as a bridge connecting peoples and cultures.
Global Experiences in One Space
Sef Townsend from the United Kingdom said his participation in the forum gave him the opportunity to explore a wide range of experiences and activities, noting the diversity of programmes spanning music, singing, cinema, storytelling and maritime heritage.
He praised the forum’s international diversity, stressing that bringing together participants from different parts of the world reflects the values of coexistence and communication and provides visitors with an opportunity to discover diverse cultures and experiences in one space.
Friendship.. A Universal Value Across Cultures
Dr. El Mahjoub Etouaif expressed his delight at taking part in the forum for the first time, noting that the experience enabled him to meet researchers and participants from around the world.
He explained that the theme “Stories of Friends” provided an important entry point for discussing friendship as a human and cultural value, highlighting the diverse approaches that explored the subject from cultural, psychological, anthropological and sociocultural perspectives.
He added that the forum also brought together a distinguished group of storytellers and narrators from different countries, who presented stories and experiences related to friendship and collective memory. He expressed his appreciation to the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and the UAE for their hospitality and organisation.
Morocco.. Renewed Presence in the World of Storytelling
Moroccan storyteller and heritage activist Bothaina Al-Gharfi expressed her happiness at participating in the current edition, praising the diversity and richness of the forum’s programme and noting her participation with a number of stories.
She expressed her interest in returning for future editions, highlighting the forum’s role in providing a space for interaction with people interested in heritage and storytelling from around the world.
Stories Bring Arabs and the World Together
Moroccan storyteller, heritage researcher and children’s author Leila Hijami said her participation in the forum provided an opportunity to meet participants from various Arab and European countries.
She praised the warm reception and generous hospitality, as well as the forum’s diverse programme and international participation, wishing it continued success and sustained its ability to attract storytellers, researchers and creatives from around the world.
Partnerships Spanning More Than 15 Years
Dr. Najima Loujine, President of the International Academy for Intangible Cultural Heritage in Morocco, said that choosing “Stories of Friends” as the theme of this year’s edition was a meaningful choice.
She noted that her relationship with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage dates back nearly two decades, while the institutional partnership between the International Academy for Intangible Cultural Heritage, the “Morocco of Stories” initiative and the Sharjah International Narrator Forum has extended for more than 15 years.
She explained that the partnership continues to evolve and renew itself each year, noting that friendship was clearly reflected throughout the current edition, whether through scientific seminars examining the concept of friendship from diverse literary and heritage perspectives or through activities highlighting oral traditions, crafts and different cultures.
Oral Heritage.. A Living Memory for Development
Dr. Najima praised the forum’s international participation, noting that the diversity of contributions gives it a global dimension. She also commended the expertise of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, led by Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute, stressing the importance of continued cooperation between heritage institutions in the UAE and Morocco.
She pointed to future joint projects in publishing, oral storytelling, research and academic studies, explaining that oral heritage is no longer merely a means of recalling the past, but has become an active field capable of contributing to comprehensive and sustainable development.
Friendship.. From Dialogue to Partnership
She noted that cooperation between the two sides has resulted in joint participation, honours and projects, reaffirming her continued presence at upcoming events, including the next edition of “Morocco of Stories” in Morocco.
Sharjah Brings Multiple Cultures Together
The participation of international students in the forum reflected another dimension of the expanding interaction with its programmes.
Three Chinese students – Susan, Noura and Haifa – who are studying Arabic Language and Culture at the Institute of Languages at the University of Sharjah, expressed their admiration for the forum, its diverse activities and international participation.
They said what distinguishes the experience is the gathering of multiple cultures in one place and the opportunities the programme provides to discover stories, heritage and traditions from different countries, in a setting that demonstrates the ability of culture and heritage to build bridges of communication among peoples.
Mohamed Al-Murtada from Senegal, a student at Al Qasimia University’s College of Arts and Humanities, also praised the forum, expressing his admiration for its vibrant atmosphere, distinctive character and diverse and engaging activities.
He also expressed his appreciation and happiness at receiving an honour through his participation in the “Storytellers” programme.
These diverse testimonies underscore how the 26th edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum has evolved into a global platform where storytelling intersects with research, knowledge and the arts, and where collective memory meets contemporary experiences.
The forum further strengthens Sharjah’s position as a platform for cultural dialogue and communication among peoples, while providing oral heritage with renewed opportunities for recognition, preservation and transmission to future generations.