It is with immense gratitude, joy, and humility that I accept this prestigious award.

This recognition holds a precious place in my heart because it comes from my colleagues in the profession which I love deeply, and to which I have devoted more than 50 years of my life.

A long journey which has been eventful, challenging, sometimes risky but mostly rewarding. For 30 of those years, I have worked with and within the IPA.

During those years I had the pleasure to work with many distinguished colleagues and friends. So, today I extend heartfelt thanks to:

• Pere Vicens
• Anna Maria Cabanellas
• Herman Spruijt
• YS Chi
• Yu Cohenara
• Richard Charkin
• Hugo Setzer
• Brian Wafawarowa
• Trasvin Jittidecharak
• Michiel Kolman

And from our extremely efficient secretary generals:

• Jose Borghino
• Jens Bammel
• Benoit Muller

And last but not least our first IPA Champion Asoke Ghosh.

I am especially thrilled to receive this award in Mexico, a country often said to resemble my homeland Egypt in its beauty, culture, and people.

This marks my second visit to Mexico. My first was unforgettable, as it was for my honeymoon with my wife Amira; who is an accomplished publisher in her own right.

Indeed, we are living in an era where women lead in the publishing world with exceptional contributions.

In the IPA, Anna Maria, Bodour, Karine, and Gvantsa Jabova are testimony to this.

Through the years l have firmly believed in 4 principles for publishing to flourish even to be able to survive, namely:

• Independence and dignity
• Freedom to publish
• Intellectual property

As well as being open and interactive part of the wider publishing world and with other cultures. These firm beliefs motivated me with some few colleagues to establish the Egyptian then the Pan Arab PAs.

In the same spirit, I sought to join, and ultimately did join the IPA. Ever since I became a member, IPA has been a source of inspiration and encouragement. I have witnessed its evolution into a truly international body that represents and supports publishers in so-called developing countries. These publishers often face immense challenges, and the IPA has been, and must remain their voice; especially when they cannot freely speak for themselves.

I truly believe that the existence and empowerment of independent publishers is essential for a world that is more educated, equitable and peaceful.

I accept this great personal honor on behalf of publishers who believe in freedom and cultural diversity specifically in my region. The region that for millennia was the cradle of civilization, is now being deeply damaged by a series of injustices and relentless wars not only on its people but on its culture and history. For this reason, the support and work of IPA in defending freedom of expression and freedom to publish in these hard times, is more important than ever.

For, let us not forget that civilization emerges not only from technological achievements or scientific progress, but from the will of individuals to help one another.

It is this empathy and cooperation that ultimately shapes societies that can thrive,

And, finally, I humbly take this award as an occasion to renew my commitment to publishing and to redouble my efforts for our community.