The International Government Communication Centre (IGCC) launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Researchers Platform’ shaped with research, studies, references, best practices and various forms of Arabic content in the field of government communications, today (Wednesday) at the eighth edition of International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2019).
The platform is aimed at enhancing both students and professionals in the field with easy access to latest data, insights and information, and aims to assist in advancing the sector on local, regional and international levels.
Free forum for students in communications field
The platform includes several academic activities, as well as the latest publications from IGCC, and books related to government communication and the themes of IGCF.
The platform aims to provide a forum for students of communications faculties in the UAE, to discuss Master's thesis and graduation projects in various fields of government communication, in addition to diploma programmes in government communications and social media. It will also host academics and communication experts from local and federal bodies to discuss government communication topics, and share their experiences through research papers, and studies.
On day one of IGCF, the Researchers Platform organised a review of the IGCC publication, Government Communication: Studies and Practices, authored by Dr Mohammad Ayish, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the American University of Sharjah, and Dr Ahmed Farouk, Assistant Professor at the Department of Public Relations at the University of Sharjah.
During the event, several female university students presented their graduation projects. From the University of Sharjah, Umaimah Abdul Hadi, briefed the audience on her anti-bullying project, while Mais Baghdady from the Canadian University in Dubai, presented her mental-map project, and Ajman University students, Shaima Al Blushi, Mariam Musabeh, presented their graduation project about smart consumer protections. The platform also heard from three university professors who presented their research.
The first one by professor Atta Abdelrahman from Al Qasimia University, addressed how social media networks can be harnessed in shaping the attitudes of the audience towards the higher education sector in the Arab world. Dr Mohammed Firas from City University College in Ajman highlighted smart learning in the 21st century, while Dr Shareefa Al Marzooqi, from University of Sharjah presented a case on the reality of institutional communication in Sharjah government, in light of communication technology.
The platform concluded its activities by showcasing graduation projects by diploma holders. These projects shed light on the roles of IGCC and Sharjah Finance Department and how government communication was instrumental in conveying their messages and goals, while Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) displayed its efforts to instil a love for reading in its staff.
Organised by the International Government Communication Centre, IGCF 2019 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The two-day event held at Sharjah Expo Centre runs under the theme ‘Behavioural Change Towards Human Development’, and has brought together prominent figures, top officials, thought leaders and government communication experts from around the world to discuss and explore international best practices.