SGCA 2024 To Foster Youth Innovation In Communication And AI Across Universities

The 11th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) is set to enhance innovation and creativity among students through two awards: the Universities Challenge and the Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC). These initiatives, in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates University and the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF), aim to foster applied education in technical fields and artificial intelligence.

Participants in these awards are nominated by relevant partners, ensuring a precise evaluation of their capabilities. The Universities Challenge targets university students from GCC countries, encouraging them to design projects that offer tangible social benefits. This includes developing new services that improve institutional performance and creating digital platforms for better government-citizen interactions.

The three-day Universities Challenge aims to honour the best project, stimulate a culture of innovation among university students, and develop their intellectual and practical skills. This initiative seeks to prepare future leaders in government communications who can contribute to its improvement through innovative solutions.

The Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC) returns for its second year at the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), targeting students aged 12-17. AISC provides an environment that educates students on AI basics, its practical applications, and integration into daily life. The camp offers educational materials from certified instructors in AI and the Metaverse.

Dr. Mohamed Abdulzaher, CEO of AIJRF, highlighted the award's significance: "Since its inception, the SGCA has been a pivotal and global incentive for many government entities and institutions. It is more than an award honouring excellence; it is an essential educational and motivational tool, boosting effective media content creation in government communications and fostering robust media strategies."

Promoting Future Communication Leaders

Alia Bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), stated, "One of the key objectives of the SGCA is to shape the future of communication in the Arab region and promote it globally. This is why we target young university and school students because when we develop their capabilities and creativity, we invest in the future of communication."

Prof. Ahmed Ali Murad, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAE University, commented on their participation: "The UAEU’s participation in the SGCA aligns with the vital role of effective partnerships in translating national visions and strategies. This is achieved through communication and idea exchange with various entities." He added that this partnership encourages local and international students to innovate using government communication mechanisms.

The camp aims to teach students AI applications in producing and managing government, media, and service content. Participants will learn to produce various media content forms while gaining insights into AI across different fields. Prizes will be awarded by a jury for outstanding projects at the camp's conclusion.

The SGCA's initiatives are dedicated to developing a new generation of communication champions who contribute to shaping this field through innovative solutions. By focusing on young innovators, these awards aim to foster creativity and practical skills that align with fast-paced technical developments globally.

With inputs from WAM