Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), inaugurated on Thursday the activities of the 21st edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum (SINF). The event, which is organized annually by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, is taking place the Expo Centre Sharjah under the slogan "Animal Stories" and will run until 24 September. Upon his arrival, Sheikh Sultan was received Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director of the Districts & Villages Affairs Department, Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture (SDC), Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Forum, Salem Yousef Al Qasir, Chairman of the Labor Standards Development Authority in Sharjah, and Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council (SSC), with a number of directors and officials of government departments and bodies and representatives of cultural organizations. During a tour of the Forum, Sheikh Sultan was briefed on the creative scene of living human treasures and listened to a presentation on the SINF, its journey over the past 21 years, its achievements, and its role in consolidating and strengthening the position of the narrator in society. He met with the guests and participants and discussed the importance of continuing the preservation of narrators as living human treasures who carry within them the spirit of all the stories, tales, dreams and hopes which inspire knowledge, and which serve as the intellectual and cultural supplement that humanity needs in every place and at all times. The launch included a welcome speech and an overview of the SINF, national peace and the Holy Qur'an, a holographic presentation for the slogan of SINF, a video of the Forum's song. Success and excellence with the unlimited support of the Ruler of Sharjah Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam said: "We are pleased with the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, at the launch of the 21st edition of the Sharjah International Narrator Forum. The unlimited support of His Highness emboldens us to continue our serious and vital work in an effort to achieve excellence and success." Dr Al Musallam stated that the SINF offers a distinctive cultural and knowledge journey during which cultural heritages from around the world can be explored. He stressed that several new events have been added, making this year's SINF a truly enriching experience that adds to Sharjah's path of success, progress, and prosperity. In addition, he said, the month of September will forever be synonymous with the narrator. Dr Al Musallam pointed out that the Institute continues to strive to develop this event in various fields, with a special focus on highlighting the importance of oral heritage. He added that attention must be paid to its campaign of living human treasures, which has become a well-established tradition at the annual event, and that the precious human treasures who are important sources of heritage and history must be celebrated. He invited attendees to visit the station featuring narrators, newsmen and storytellers, as well as to explore the folklore campaign, concluding that a feast of international and cultural activities awaited. — SG
