Sharjah Media Centre-Organised Event to Gather over 600 Regional and International Media Persons

Sharjah-UAE: 25 February, 2012 - His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, will inaugurate the first 'Government Communication Forum' that aims to develop government communication mechanisms in the region and offer a new direction to government communication. The event also seeks to change any misperception about government communication and promote a disciplined culture that is consistent, clear and cohesive across all channels.

Organized by the Sharjah Media Centre, the event that begins tomorrow (26 February) will run until 27 February at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The forum is set to draw more than 600 eminent politicians, regional and international media experts from top-tier organisations. Additionally, representatives from various government agencies in the UAE will also attend the event.

Former Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will deliver the keynote address highlighting the successful international government communication practices that Malaysia adopted to fast-track its progress.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qassimi, Chairman, Sharjah Media Corporation, said: "As the communication arm of Sharjah, Sharjah Media Centre seeks to develop a shared institutional communication system for various government and media institutions in addition to facilitating the adoption of best practices. The inaugural forum has been carefully designed to meet this overarching aim. Government Communications Forum will host eight sessions and two workshops featuring discussions that expedite the development and adoption of best practices in government communication."

The panel discussions at the inaugural Government Communication Forum will examine issues such as 'Coordination Strategies of Communication Efforts among Government Institutions', 'Management of Risks and Crises in Governmental Media Communications' and 'Future of Digital Media in the Government Sector'. The sessions will also highlight case studies of governmental awareness campaigns in the US and the UK, besides showcasing Turkey and Malaysia's 'Experience in Developing the Government Media Sector'.

At the conclusion of each workshop, internationally accredited certificates will be distributed to the attendees comprising mid-managerial executives from the government institutions in Sharjah.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi added: "The idea of Government Communication ​​Forum took root from our observations and discussions with various media organizations in Sharjah. It was crystallized and shaped by the Sharjah Media Centre, which was launched to act as a bridge between media personnel in government departments as well as media organizations in Sharjah and the UAE."

Among the most acclaimed Emirati participants in the forum is renowned media person Ahmad Salem Bu Samnoh, member of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Media Corporation. He holds extensive experience across multiple media verticals and is known for his incisive contributions to various media outlets on the television and print platforms.

Also participating at the event is Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassimi, a prominent Twitter activist and a UAE-based columnist contributing to several local and international publications including the Financial Times, The Independent, The New York Times, Gulf News and The National.

His Excellency Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General at the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, is among the experts that will headline a session at the forum.

Dr. Hamad Al Hammady, Head of Government Communications at the Executive Council of Dubai, will additionally participate in a panel discussion. Dr Al Hammady manages cross-governmental communications for the emirate of Dubai through an exclusive integrated communications management system that he conceptualized and established.

The event's dedicated website - www.gcf.ae - features updates on GCF2012 and its sessions. Sharjah Media Centre has also launched a hash tag for the forum #ShjGCF to help interested stakeholders follow the happenings at the event.

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About Government Communication Forum:
Government Communication Forum is an annual forum that is organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The event witnesses the convergence of regional and global media experts and government thought leaders in Sharjah. The forum aims to bring the latest professional practices of government communication to Sharjah and position it to opinion leaders, heads of governmental institutions, and officials in Sharjah as part of an endeavour to develop a collaborative and participatory dialogue with its people.

About Sharjah Media Centre
The Centre represents the main link between the Government of Sharjah and the media on a local, regional and international level. It provides journalists, broadcasters or any other media professionals the opportunity to join as members and benefit from a unique position which allows them a direct and active dialogue with Sharjah's People and Government officials.

Sharjah Media Centre was established by the Amiri Decree No. 5, 2011, issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The Centre's role can be summarized by saying that it is the voice with which the Emirate of Sharjah addresses the world.

© Press Release 2012