Sharjah launches government communication centre

Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi (left) and Jawaher Al Naqbi (right)

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, has announced the launch of the International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), ahead of the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017).
The even to be held in Sharjah on March 22-23 is expected to be attended by over 2,500 world leaders, influencers and international experts.
The first of its kind platform in the region, the IGCC will be managed by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) and is being seen as yet another extraordinary initiative by the Sharjah government to support and boost the media environment in the emirate and the UAE.
The IGCC will function as a world-class media resource facility plus scientific research and knowledge platform, offering all possible guidance in the field of government communication locally, regionally and internationally.
Announcing the initiative, Sheikh Sultan said that the IGCF's sixth edition will see the official launch of the new Centre in the presence of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and international guests, senior officials and communication specialists from around the world.
Media research centre
Sheikh Sultan stressed that the IGCC is based on the vision of building an integrated government communication system involving the IGCF, sophisticated knowledge platforms and specialised programmes for training and developing the skills and abilities of those working in government communication, besides forming an international relations network of specialists in the field.
"Since the launch of the IGCF in 2012, we have been guided by a clear vision and goal to promote the concept and applications of government communication. This is for several reasons, most importantly its increasing importance, the evolution of modern media and the advancement of communication sciences and technologies, not to mention the lack of interest in this important aspect of the relationship between governments and the public," Sheikh Sultan said.
Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Department of Government Relations, lauded the IGCC and pointed to the significant role played by the IGCF in consolidating the government communication experience and highlighting successful experiences in the field, stressing that the IGCC initiative will consolidate the IGCF's status as one of the world's most prominent forums in this field.
Tribute to IGCF's Success
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of SGMB, viewed the IGCC as a reflection of the success of the IGCF. The IGCC aims to achieve harmony and compatibility with Sharjah's strategy in supporting modern sciences, research, education and development of government cadres through a strategic priority that entails promoting for the IGCF throughout the year and enhancing Sharjah's reputation and position in the field of studies and research.
Jawaher Al Naqbi, Manager of the IGCF, said: "The launch of such a centre ... heralds the beginning of an important phase. which we aspire to. improve the various areas of government communication."
The 4 departments of the centre:
> Research & knowledge department: Government communication-related content, including research papers, studies, books and publications
> Academic annex department: Academic programmes specialised in government communication
> Training department: Offering accredited training programmes and courses
> International relations department: Building a network of regional and global relations aimed at the exchange of knowledge and expertise
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• Sharjah