SGCA 2025 Continues To Attract Global Participation With Nominations Open Until July 24

The Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) is currently accepting entries for its 12th edition, with submissions open until 24th July. This year, the award spans 23 categories, reflecting the dynamic nature of public communication. The categories are divided into five main sectors: Government Entities & International Organisations, Individual Awards, Partner Awards, Jury Awards, and Best Innovators Competition in Smart Communication.

Submissions are welcome from both individuals and organisations across three distinct categories. Entries must have been developed within the last two years or include significant updates if older. Nominations can be submitted via the SGCA website at https://gca.sgmb.ae/en.

The award has gained international recognition, attracting 3,815 entries from 44 countries in its previous edition. This expansion highlights its growing global influence and appeal among communication professionals worldwide. The SGCA was established as a key initiative of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), which will hold its 14th annual edition on 10–11 September 2025 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), highlighted the award’s significance: "The Sharjah Government Communication Award has evolved into a lighthouse for communication professionals and entities committed to excellence. With the exceptional level of participation, particularly in the past few years, the award has turned the spotlight on a new generation of communicators whose ideas are shaping the future of public opinion and discourse."

The direct application categories under the award’s five main sectors feature 15 awards recognising excellence across various communication practices. These include Best Integrated Communication System, Best Innovation in Government Communication, Best Crisis Communication Strategy, Best Campaign Promoting Cultural Identity and the Arabic Language, and Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication.

Other notable categories celebrate achievements in social responsibility and soft power investment. They also focus on communication targeting youth across government and private sectors, innovative projects for children and adolescents, digital content changemakers (above and under 18 years old), and academic research in communication sciences.

Partner Awards Highlight Collaboration

The Partner Awards recognise outstanding communication practices in collaboration with organisations such as Mohammed bin Zayed University of AI, CSO Network, ASEAN, RUFORUM, UNITAR, and UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs’ Government Experience Exchange Office. Key categories include Best Artificial Intelligence Technology Communication in Service of the Community Category and Best Communication Practices Dealing with Development Advances Category.

The Jury Awards honour exceptional individuals and projects like Outstanding Communication Award for a Higher Quality of Life and Best Individual Positive Social Impact. These awards place special emphasis on initiatives based in Sharjah.

Nurturing Future Communicators

The Best Innovators Competition in Smart Communication plays a crucial role in fostering future communicators through two competitive categories: Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC) and Universities Challenge. This competition encourages innovation among young talents eager to make an impact in smart communication.

This extension aligns with global trends where innovation and citizen engagement are vital. According to OECD's 2024 report, governments globally are adopting human-centred public services by co-designing solutions with users to enhance efficiency and inclusivity. These efforts aim to reshape public services to be more responsive to citizens' evolving needs.

With inputs from WAM