The International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), a subsidiary of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), has received a record 250 entry submissions for the sixth edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA).
Launched in 2012 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the SGCA aims to foster best professional practices in government communication in the UAE, and the Gulf region by highlighting and recognising outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations in the field.
This year’s edition welcomed 192 submissions from the UAE, including 74 from Sharjah. Meanwhile 58 submissions came from the Gulf region. In previous editions, the award attracted 758 entries, with 337 from Sharjah, 255 from other Emirates, and 164 from across the Gulf region.
Jurors for the 6th edition of the coveted Sharjah award will be evaluating submissions and short-listing nominees to announce the winners during a special event on the 20th of March, the first day of the International Government Communication Forum being held at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
This edition’s jury includes HE Ibrahim Al Abed, Adviser to the Chairman of National Media Council, HE Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council, HE Madi Abdullah Al Khamis, Secretary-General of the Arab Media Forum, Ali Jaber, Director General of MBC TV, Sami Al Reyami, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat Alyoum and Dr Sulaiman Al Hattlan, CEO of Al Hattlan Media.
HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), said: “The reputation of the Sharjah Government Communication Award has caught on significantly over the years both locally and on the level of the Gulf region. We have created new award categories and enhanced existing ones in order to raise the level and quality of participation and dialogue between government bodies and members of society to enhance the relationship between both parties.”
Allay added: "Government bodies and institutions are competing to advance their communication according to the Award’s standards. This demonstrates their eagerness to communicate effectively and in line with their countries’ agendas and policies to raise awareness of individuals’ role as part of the community to work and achieve public goals and interest.”
The SGCA is divided into 14 awards, including 'Best Practices in Government Communication’, which is dedicated exclusively to Sharjah-based government entities.
Government bodies across the UAE can compete in categories such as the ‘Best Government Website’ and ‘Best Practices in Corporate Social Responsibility’ etc. Other categories include the ‘Best Support System for Official Spokesperson’, ‘Best Media Crisis Management’, ‘Best Government Communication Campaign outside UAE’, and ‘Best Behaviour Change Campaign or Initiative’.
The Award has dedicated 7 categories to honour government entities participating from across the Gulf region, including: ‘Best Government App’, Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication’, ‘Best Media Initiative in Government Communication’, 'Best Government Intercommunication Practice’. In addition to 'Best Government Communication Strategy’, 'Best Government Communication Campaign’, and ‘Best Government Social Media Engagement’.