Sharjah communication awardees honoured
sharjah — Winners of the sixth edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA 2019) were honoured by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, during a ceremony held at Al Majaz Amphitheatre.
The awarding ceremony was organised by the International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), a subsidiary of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), in conjunction with the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), held under the theme ‘Behavioural Change Towards Human Development’.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), commended the high quality of entries that the SGCA attracted, and said it reflects the creativity and expertise possessed by government communication teams in the UAE and the Gulf region. “We need to enhance creativity in our communities to keep with the rapid changes in communication and technology, given that communication is no longer just a two-way exchange; it is a multilateral dialogue that engages numerous parties, bringing issues of common interest together on one platform,” he said.
“The youth are the driving force for creative communication, given that engaging with social media platforms is an integral part of their lives, particularly millennials, who are driven by the desire to become agents of positive change. We have to actively reach out to them through online networks of communication they use to express themselves and share ideas, values and opinions,” he added.
Muna Abu Sulayman, SGCA jury member, said the award has been successful in establishing professional standards for government communication practices, asserting that in doing so, SGCA has offered role models to the UAE and the region. “This year’s edition saw a record number of 250 entries, compared to 239 entries last year, including 74 from Sharjah, 118 from other emirates and 58 from GCC countries. The 192 entries from the UAE is a remarkable increase that reflects the SGCA’s instrumental role in raising awareness of the importance of government communication campaigns, and stimulating individuals and government and semi-government entities to adopt communication campaigns that contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals.”
Since its inception, the SGCA has attracted 756 entries, with 337 from Sharjah, 255 from other emirates and 164 from other GCC countries.
The youth are the driving force for creative communication, given that engaging with social media platforms is an integral part of their lives, particularly millennials, who are driven by the desire to become agents of positive change.”
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman,
Sharjah Media Council