Sharjah's Deputy Ruler Awards Innovators In Government Communication

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, honoured the winners of the 11th Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA 2024) on Thursday. The event, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), was held at Expo Centre Sharjah, coinciding with the conclusion of the 13th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024).

During his speech, Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of SGMB, remarked: "Over the past eleven years, SGCA has not only recognised outstanding efforts but has also been a catalyst for positive change. It supports those committed to advancing government communication and aligns with Sharjah's vision to create a new paradigm in government communication, contributing to community development."

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The Best Integrated Communication System award went to KSA’s Ministry of Tourism. The Arab Youth Centre in UAE won the Best Campaign Targeting Cultural Identity and Arabic Language award. The Department of Community Development - Abu Dhabi received the Best Campaign Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices award.

The Best Communication Strategy Dealing with Crises award’s public sector category winner is UAE’s Al Ain Municipality, while KSA’s Matarat Holding received the private sector category award. Jordan’s Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans won the private sector accolade for Best Communication and Media Content, while its public sector recognition went to Egypt’s Information and Decision Support Center.

On behalf of the SGCA jury committee, media personality Mona El Shazly said: "SGCA has consistently played a key role in improving the performance of government institutions and raising public awareness about the importance of transparent and innovative communication. The award promotes best practices, encourages exchanging ideas and experiences, and elevates government messaging to be more effective and responsive to society's needs."

El Shazly highlighted that this year saw a 230% increase in submissions compared to last year. She emphasised that SGCA recognises communication as a universal language without borders. "In its eleventh edition, the award has continued to evolve in response to rapid global changes in communication," she added.

Acknowledging Excellence

The Best Communication Project Targeting Children and Adolescents award for the public sector was scooped by UAE’s Child Safety Department, while Arab Nation - UAE won in the private sector. JAIS Initiative was awarded for Best Communication with Artificial Intelligence Technology in Service of the Community.

The winner of the Best Investment in Soft Power to Support Communication Programs award is COP28 Presidency. In individual categories, Morocco’s Citizen's Office Initiative won Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication. Hussein Mohammed Al-Qahtani from KSA was named Best Official Spokesperson.

Special Recognitions

The Universities Challenge winner is Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University. The Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC) Challenge was won by Barajeel Sustainability Project. For Partner Awards, Nigeria’s Kaduna Citifeed won Best Innovation in Government Communication in collaboration with Apolitical.

The Jury Awards saw Ines Mpambara from Rwanda being recognised as Best Distinguished Government Official. Egypt’s Dr. Mohamed Ghoneim won for Best Communication with Impact on Remote Communities.

Quotes on SGCA's Role

"Today, SGCA stands as a beacon of development and progress," Allay concluded. "We are not just keeping pace with the future; we are actively shaping it." He noted that SGCA encourages institutions and leaders to explore new horizons in government communication.

"The award promotes best practices," El Shazly continued. "It encourages exchanging ideas and experiences." She stressed that SGCA elevates government messaging to be more effective and responsive to society's needs.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi also honoured members of the SGCA Jury Committee during the event.

With inputs from WAM