News
Algerian novelist Ahlem Mosteghanemi named UNESCO Artist for Peace
The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, will name Algerian author Ahlem Mosteghanemi UNESCO Artist for Peace in a ceremony at the Organization’s Headquarters on 16 December (6.30pm).
Ahlem Mosteghanemi is named in recognition of her books’ advocacy for social justice, the education of young people affected by conflict, and her dedication to UNESCO’s goals and ideals.
In 1973, Mosteghanemi became the first woman to publish a collection of poems in Arabic in Algeria. She is a prolific author whose many books have sold millions of copies. Her books not only contribute to Arab literature and poetry, they also raise readers’ awareness of issues such as corruption, injustice and women’s rights.
The author is also an ambassador of the Algerian Forem Foundation which cares for 13,000 orphans. She was elected personality of 2015 by the Children of Peace in Yemen Foundation and Forbes Magazine has described her as one of the ten most influential women in the Arab world.
UNESCO are internationally renowned personalities who use their influence, charisma and prestige to help promote UNESCO’s message and programmes. Cooperating with UNESCO, they heighten public awareness regarding key development issues and inform the public about the activities of the Organization.
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Media accreditation to cover the ceremony can be obtained from
Djibril Kébé, UNESCO Media Service, d.kebe@unesco.org, +33 (0) 1 45 68 17 41
