SGCA Award calls on next gen of communicators to inspire change
Meanwhile, the two subcategories under Best Communication Targeting Youth, Best Communication Programme Supporting Emerging Projects and Youth and Best Campaigns Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices, focus on programmes that support youth entrepreneurship and campaigns that influence values and behaviour using modern digital tools. Submissions are open until Thursday, July 24, 2025, through the official portal: https://gca.sgmb.ae/en.
Her Excellency Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), commented: 'The Sharjah Government Communication Award reflects the Emirate's vision to enable individuals, particularly youth, to take on essential roles in community building. Allocating award categories specifically for youth-led and youth-focused initiatives demonstrates our belief in communication as a powerful tool to strengthen awareness, build capabilities, and support expression and innovation within a diverse, culturally conscious environment.'
'Today's youth are not waiting for opportunities, they are creating them and reshaping the connection between institutions and society through dynamic, transparent, and intelligent communication,' Al Suwaidi said.
She added: 'With the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the award continues to support impactful models of engagement and empowerment. SGCA plays an active role in reinforcing Sharjah's position as a regional and global hub for progressive government communication strategies rooted in intellectual leadership and community development.'
Best Innovative Project Targeting Children and Adolescents
The award for 'Best Innovative Project Targeting Children and Adolescents' category recognises communication projects that positively impact children and adolescents' development, life skills, and social responsibility. Whether via educational platforms, books, games, or media, the award honours initiatives that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and cultural pride. Evaluation criteria include originality, engagement, impact, technological innovation, and long-term sustainability.
Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication
The award for 'Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication' category acknowledges youth-led initiatives that tackle social issues through innovative communication tools and strategies, enhancing relationships between governments and the public. Evaluation criteria include originality, impact, youth engagement, sustainability, and partnerships with government or non-government entities.
Best Communication Programme Supporting Emerging Projects and Youth
A subcategory under 'Best Communication Targeting Youth', the 'Best Communication Programme Supporting Emerging Projects and Youth' category honours programmes that support youth entrepreneurship and startups through education, networking, and solving challenges such as funding and employment. Key evaluation factors include programme clarity, creativity, measurable impact, scalability, sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term collaboration.
Best Campaigns Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices
The 'Best Campaigns Positively Impacting Youth Awareness and Practices' is also a subcategory under 'Best Communication Targeting Youth'. This category recognises campaigns that use advanced technology and media to influence youth behaviour, values, and awareness positively. The jury will evaluate creativity, measurable behavioural impact, audience engagement, digital platform usage, and campaign sustainability.
Together, these categories celebrate the innovative efforts of youth and institutions that amplify young voices, nurture talent, and foster behavioural and social growth. SGCA 2025 honours initiatives that bridge generations and cultures through strategic communication—whether via campaigns, educational media, or entrepreneurial empowerment.
In 2024, SGCA received over 3,800 submissions from 44 countries. This year, the award continues to provide a global platform that enables influential voices to shape the present and future of our world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
DIB sponsors AED 40 million Prophet's Neighbours endowment
An initiative rooted in national giving and social responsibility This generous contribution reflects a strong culture of national giving and the deep sense of social responsibility demonstrated by UAE institutions. It also aligns with the humanitarian legacy established by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who launched the first endowment for orphans in the emirate. A milestone in supporting the vulnerable The Dubai Islamic Bank's sponsorship marks a pivotal moment in empowering the underprivileged. As a prominent player in national charitable efforts, the Bank is contributing to a sustainable endowment, the proceeds of which will fund the Foundation's comprehensive care programs for its beneficiaries. This step highlights the banking sector's commitment to social development and equity. A continuation of Sharjah's charitable legacy Her Excellency Mona bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Dubai Islamic Bank for this noble gesture. As the first financial institution to sponsor the endowment, the Bank is continuing the legacy of the Ruler of Sharjah, who initiated this charitable journey. Al Suwaidi noted that this full sponsorship represents a significant shift in expanding the Foundation's capacity to launch sustainable projects and improve the quality of life for orphans. A unique Emirati model for orphan care Al Suwaidi added that this partnership showcases the high level of institutional responsibility across sectors in the UAE. It embodies a collaborative model of giving that sets an example for both the region and the world. The initiative underlines the strategic importance of public-private partnerships in building a comprehensive and sustainable care system for orphans. Building a sustainable future The Foundation aims to establish a growing series of endowments under the 'Prophet's Neighbours Endowment' project. These are designed to generate permanent income that supports members in achieving self-reliance. The initiative reflects the Foundation's vision to transition from traditional care to empowerment through a sustainable, long-term development framework.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development elevates Maldives aviation with Velana Airport
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) participated in the inauguration of the Velana International Airport, a project that aims to significantly enhance Maldives' infrastructure. With a total investment of AED330.5 million ($90 million) from ADFD, the project was implemented in two phases, receiving co-financing from Saudi Fund for Development, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and Opec Fund for International Development. This cooperation highlights the shared commitment of regional development institutions to support high impact projects in developing nations to contribute to an inclusive, sustainable growth. Attending the inauguration ceremony, which coincided with Maldives' 60th independence anniversary, were Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, Mohamed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Rahma Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Maldives, along with senior officials from both nations and from Saudi Fund for Development, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, and Opec Fund for International Development. ADFD's funding played a critical role in enhancing the operational capacity of Velana International Airport, accommodating over 7 million passengers annually meeting the nation's growing travel demand. The project included the expansion of the airport's western passenger terminal, the implementation of 26 passenger boarding bridges, and the construction of a state-of-the-art international terminal. These enhancements reinforce the Maldives' position as a key hub for commercial, tourism, and investment activities, and underscore the Fund's commitment to supporting impactful, sustainable projects that improve the quality of life in communities. President of the Republic of Maldives, during the ceremony, expressed his sincere appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the continuous support from the UAE to advance Maldives' national goals. He said: 'ADFD's financing of Velana International Airport, in partnership with international collaborators, reflects our shared commitment to achieving sustainable development goals and demonstrates a long-term strategic vision for infrastructure development and growth in developing nations. The opening of this airport will further enhance the Maldives' position in the global aviation sector.' Al Suwaidi highlighted that this collaborative development is a testament to ADFD's dedication to supporting the sustainable development goals of its partner nations. He reaffirmed the Fund's mission towards strengthening strategic partnerships between regional development institutions and international organisations, fostering broader and more sustainable developmental impacts. Al Suwaidi said: 'Through our partnership with the Government of Maldives and regional development institutions, we have collectively contributed to country's economic and social growth. Coinciding with the Maldives' Independence Day celebrations, the inauguration of Velana International Airport underscores our ongoing commitment to ensuring greater resource efficiency and supporting our partner nations to build a resilient economy and prosperous future.' Copyright 2025 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SGMB to launch practical phase of 7th 'Ithmar' edition
Targeting participants aged 10 to 15, the new phase will see trainees step behind the microphone to create original audio content that reflects their ideas, interests, and aspirations. The Sharjah Press Club (SPC) has commenced the recording of podcast episodes, building on the skills acquired during the initial two-week training phase. The episodes will address a wide range of topics selected by the participants themselves, including bullying, mental health, artificial intelligence, media, education, children's rights, entrepreneurship, the environment, society and influencers, as well as an interview with a community leader. These themes emerged from brainstorming sessions held throughout the training, where participants worked in editorial and presentation teams to develop their questions and structure their episodes. This process exposed them to the full production journey, from concept development to recording. The programme is delivered in partnership with CNN Arabic and supported by experienced media professionals from Sharjah Broadcasting Authority and SGMB. Sessions covered voice training, interview techniques, and podcast storytelling, equipping students with the tools to produce content with clarity and confidence. Her Excellency Alia Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, emphasised that Ithmar is designed to give young people a space to create, experiment, and grow. Through hands-on training, group work, and direct interaction with media professionals, she said, participants are encouraged to think critically and express themselves effectively. Al Suwaidi noted that participants in the seventh edition have shown strong curiosity and commitment throughout the training. Their ability to turn ideas into clear and relevant media content, she added, demonstrates their skills in using media to represent their perspectives and goals. Over two weeks, trainees followed a programme aimed at developing both their communication skills and technical abilities. The first week focused on speech delivery, storytelling, and microphone presence. The second week moved further into podcast production, covering the preparation of questions, audio narration, and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance content creation. With podcast recordings set to begin this week, 'Ithmar' continues to fulfill its mission of preparing a media-literate generation capable of contributing thoughtfully and creatively to public discussions.
