SHARJAH: The International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), a subsidiary of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), has announced the setting up of an academic committee for the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF). The step has been taken to enhance communication practices and promote interaction between the relevant bodies involved in government communication. It will also conduct extensive research to aid government personnel who work in the sector.

The IGCF will support government communication professionals through the expertise of its members, create a collaborative environment between practitioners and academics, and monitor the reality of government communication in Sharjah and the UAE.

Tariq Allay, Director of SGMB, highlighted the importance of establishing the committee in achieving IGCC’s strategy to build an integrated government communication system focussing on both practical and theoretical aspects. This forward-thinking strategy aligns with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah. The vision is to create a knowledge-based society, with government communication representing one of its main pillars. It also aligns with the emirate’s vision of elevating and recruiting highly qualified human resources into the field.

Allay said, “The committee will monitor and assess government communication practices in the UAE and put them under discussion at the IGCF. It will also propose ideas and initiatives that help develop these practices with a view to increased efficiency and crisis management, and highlight the research which will contribute to advancing government communication.”

Jawaher Al Naqbi, Manager of the IGCC, emphasised that the committee will contribute to advancing government communication in the UAE in general and Sharjah in particular. “We will strive for the committee to comprise expert members from around the Arab world to ensure its active and influential role in following up and implementing developments in the government communication sector.”

She added that the committee is working on developing an integrated action plan that will be revealed during the IGCF.

The committee includes an elite group of highly qualified and vastly experienced professors from colleges of mass communication and media in UAE universities. The members include Dr Mohammad Ayesh, Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the American University of Sharjah, Essam Nasr, Dean of the College of Mass Communication at the University of Sharjah and Dr Hussam Salama, Dean of the College of Mass Communication and Humanities at the University of Ajman.

The committee also includes Dr Khyrat Ayyad, Head of the Public Relations Department at the College of Mass Communication at the University of Sharjah, Dr Ahmed Farouk, faculty member at the College of Mass Communication at the University of Sharjah and Shereen Ali, faculty member at the College of Mass Communication at the University of Ajman. All members will serve a term of two years, and the committee will discuss expanding its membership to include more Emirati and Arab academics and experts.