Government Communication Forum Addresses Intra-government Communications Strategies

Experts Review Best Practices of Governments Worldwide

Sharjah-UAE: 26 February, 2012 – It is very important for governments to work in synchrony and come together on issues of common interest. In a scenario where media outlets seem more competitive than playing a mutually supportive role, it becomes crucial for governments to focus and prioritise on the production of quality messages, according to Dr Ahmad Al Dbeiban, Plenipotentiary Minister of the Secretariat General for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

He added: “There is a need for better focus, common work strategies and greater quality of joint efforts to increase internal interaction among the components that make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as well as step up their external dialogue with related stakeholders.”
Dr Al Dbeiban’s comments came during a session titled ‘Coordination Strategies of Communication Efforts among Government Institutions’ on the first day of the Government Communication Forum. Attended by leading government officials and top-tier regional and global media thought leaders, the event runs until 27 February at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

Firas Al Khatib, Media, PR and Information Officer, UNESCO-Beirut Office, and Dr. Hamad Al Hammady, Director of Executive Council Affairs at the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai, jointly headlined the session which reviewed international communication models that meet the gap for speed, quantity and accuracy, as well as ensure seamless coordination between organizational units.

Al Khatib said: “When you live in an area of conflict, war or crisis, the need to focus on efforts that drive concerted conversation becomes even more important. UNESCO believes in the culture of peace and this is reflected across all of its communication channels. Towards achieving this objective, a centralized function oversees the process even while remaining flexible in its approach. This is seen in the way every branch of the UNESCO customizes its messages according to the territory they connect with.”

Underlining the need to coordinate communication efforts by government institutions for impacting greater influence on target audiences, Dr Al Hammady said: “In Dubai, communication has two main areas of focus – general policy-making as well as driving partnership with non-government actors and stakeholders through the Dubai Partnership Agenda. The latter incorporates communication on a broader canvas. In Dubai, best practices in government communication have been adopted and cascaded across all departments. We have also initiated a feedback and suggestion mechanism that allows us to gain better clarity on the programmes we initiate. And, all of these are only first steps towards raising the standards of good governance.”

Dr Ahmad Al Dbeiban has previously served as Head of Press Office at the Secretariat General and as Deputy Director of Media Affairs – the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

Firas Al Khatib is a former member of the UN committee on a communications programme for Lebanon. He has also contributed to the implementation of UNESCO’s projects through intercultural and interfaith dialogue to ensure peace.

As part of his role at the Executive Council of Dubai, Dr Hamad Al Hammady manages cross-governmental communications for the emirate of Dubai through an exclusive integrated communications management system that he conceptualized and established. He is additionally tasked to oversee internal and external programmes in government communications and initiate relevant capacity building programmes. Apart from being entrusted with improving the Dubai government’s communication mechanisms as outlined in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, Dr Al Hammady is the Coordinator of the General Network of Government Communication.

The second day of the Government Communication Forum will also host four sessions on ‘Case Study of the Governmental Awareness Campaigns in the US and UK’, Turkey and Malaysia’s Experience in Developing the Government Media Sector, ‘Role of Visual Media in Supporting Government Institutions’ Vision of Social Development’, and ‘The Role of Caricatures in Correcting Misconceptions and Raising Levels of Awareness’. The forum will conclude with a workshop on ‘Organizing the Government’s Image and Managing its Reputation’.

About Government Communication Forum:
Government Communication Forum is an annual forum that is organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The event witnesses the convergence of regional and global media experts and government thought leaders in Sharjah. The forum aims to bring the latest professional practices of government communication to Sharjah and position it to opinion leaders, heads of governmental institutions, and officials in Sharjah as part of an endeavour to develop a collaborative and participatory dialogue with its people.

About Sharjah Media Centre
The Centre represents the main link between the Government of Sharjah and the media on a local, regional and international level. It provides journalists, broadcasters or any other media professionals the opportunity to join as members and benefit from a unique position which allows them a direct and active dialogue with Sharjah’s People and Government officials.
Sharjah Media Centre was established by the Amiri Decree No. 5, 2011, issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The Centre’s role can be summarized by saying that it is the voice with which the Emirate of Sharjah addresses the world.