Call for sustainable development at IGCF

Sharjah - Dr Shaikh Sultan opens International Government Communication Forum

We should not pursue advancement today at the cost of tomorrow, said His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, during his opening speech at the fifth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2016).
He said: "Observers of Sharjah's experience - a small emirate with big experience - know that while we focus on scientific and technological advancement, it is always accompanied by moral and social development, the two facets of our progress. We should not pursue advancement of today at the cost of tomorrow. This means being aware of the consequences [of development], such as environmental pollution. Pursuing development should not be at the expense of losing our principles and values. All leaders should understand and own the concept of responsibility and follow principles of sustainable development."
Dr Shaikh sultan said: "We must be conscious of a clearer vision." Elaborating further, he said that "while 'advancement' is an old concept that has been associated with improving humanity through technological and scientific progress, the term has also been used as a threat to society, with the potential to even cause its demise. He cited the example of British colonialism, which has been associated with destruction alongside construction. The example of Hiroshima, he said, is a part and parcel of the so-called advancement.
Shaikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre, said that today we notice greater awareness on the importance of government communication among the public, governments and other stakeholders. "There is by and large an acknowledgement of the crucial role that government communication plays in shaping a sustained dialogue between government organisations and the communities they serve," he said.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of National Media Council (NMC), highlighted the important role played by the media as the UAE embarks on a new phase of development under the wise leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; and their Highnesses, the Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.
Speaking on the future of media in the UAE, Dr Al Jaber said: "We must focus on constant development of the media in line with our national principles. Within a framework of responsible freedom, media organisations need to take steps to ensure accuracy and professionalism, align their operations with rapid technological advancements and strengthen the nation."
He reiterated that the UAE media reflect the nation's values, including moderation, tolerance and openness to the cultures of the world, as well as respect for others and stressed that the values of openness and cooperation are not just slogans in the UAE.
Amal Clooney, international lawyer and activist, said: "Human rights have become the language that states use to communicate with each other and the common yardstick by which all states are judged. Trade deals, aid packages and appointments to international bodies can be made wholly dependent on a state's human rights regime. Ultimately, a country's global reputation stands or falls based on its human rights record, as reported by the media, NGOs, the UN and other states. This means that governments must be vocal and engage in communication about human rights with the international community."
Themed 'Citizens for Prosperity', IGCF 2016 focuses on the symbiotic relationship between governments and their people, and explores how government communication touches different aspects of people's everyday life either directly or indirectly through its impact on vital socio-economic sectors.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah