Latest news with #governmentcommunication
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
SGCA 2025 continues to nurture a new generation of future communication leaders
Sharjah Government Communication Award positions creative competition as a platform to build tomorrow's leaders in government communication The Award sets a pioneering model in preparing a new wave of leadership in the field Communication is now among the top five essential skills in management and business Youth-focused communication programmes increase leadership and self-confidence levels by over 45% 63% of people trust official spokespersons who exhibit transparency and quick response 82% of internet users engage daily with short-form video content Applications are open until 24 July 2025 via: Sharjah, In its 12th edition, the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) is reinforcing its mission to build a new generation of government communication leaders, equipped, agile, and ready to navigate a fast-changing world. Applications for the current edition are open until 24 July 2025, and eligible participants include government entities, the private sector, international organisations, and individuals. Apply now at: With dedicated categories targeting youth, university students, and artificial intelligence skills, the Award is helping to position the UAE as a regional and global leader in modern government communication. Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), SGCA recognises that communication is no longer a soft skill as it is one of the top five essential capabilities in today's leadership and management landscape, especially in the age of digital transformation. A study by the YTH Initiative found that youth-focused communication programmes can boost self-leadership and confidence by more than 45%. SGCA builds on this insight through the ' Best Youth Initiative in Government Communication', a category that offers young minds the opportunity to take on leadership roles and develop their strategic and social impact skills. Trust and transparency: Spotlight on spokespersons The ' Best Official Spokesperson' category continues to encourage institutional trust and human-centred communication. According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, 63% of people are more likely to trust spokespersons who are transparent and responsive, reaffirming the critical role of trusted voices in public engagement. Digital-first leadership The Award's ' Best Changemakers in Digital Content' category speaks directly to the reality of how communication is consumed today. A Hubspot report shows that 82% of internet users interact daily with short-form video content, highlighting the growing demand for creative, video-savvy leaders who can translate public messages into visual storytelling that resonates with online audiences. Merging theory with practice To bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world communication, SGCA introduced the ' Best Research in Communication Sciences' category. A University of Michigan study revealed that organisations applying scientific research in their communication strategies saw 71% higher campaign success rates, a compelling argument for policy guided by data, not guesswork. Investing in tomorrow's talent With its ' Universities Challenge' category, hosted in collaboration with United Arab Emirates University, SGCA invites students to compete by solving real-life communication challenges. According to the World Economic Forum, communication and critical thinking are among the most in-demand skills for the leaders of 2030, making this an investment in the UAE's future workforce. Communication powered by AI In recognition of emerging technologies, the Award's ' Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp' (AISC) category aims to equip young leaders with next-generation tools. A report by edX (2023) found that 92% of global executives plan to upskill in AI within the next two years, highlighting the need to integrate tech fluency into the DNA of communication leadership. A platform for national excellence With knowledge-based programming and strong institutional partnerships, SGCA continues to serve as a national platform for excellence, nurturing talent, rewarding innovation, and advancing the UAE's global communication leadership.
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
SGCA 2025 calls on researchers and spokespeople advancing the field of government communication
RELATED TOPICS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Sharjah: The Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) 2025 is open for submissions and is set to honour individuals shaping the future of public discourse; issuing a special call to those eligible for the following two categories: Best Research in Communication Sciences and Best Official Spokesperson. These categories; part of a diverse award of 23 categories; highlight SGCA's commitment to celebrating academic rigour, exceptional public engagement, and innovative leadership within the vital field of government communication. They recognise both the ideas that push the discipline forward and the authentic voices that build indispensable bridges between institutions and the communities they serve. Now in its 12th edition, SGCA continues to highlight the achievements that are redefining government communication in the region and globally. Winners will be announced during the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), held on September 10–11, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah. Best Research in Communication Sciences The Best Research in Communication Sciences category honours original research or published works that demonstrably advance the science and practical application of government communication. Open to academic institutions, scholars, and authors, this award specifically seeks contributions that introduce novel methodologies, technologies, or concepts which have a tangible influence on real-world government communication practices. Work focusing on sustainability, innovation, and quality of life is particularly encouraged. To be eligible, research must be formally endorsed by academic institutions or widely recognised and circulated within the communication field. Submissions will be evaluated based on methodological rigour, originality, adherence to ethical standards, and the demonstrable direct impact of the work on government communication strategy and practice. Applicants must provide a full copy of the research, accompanied by a concise 250-word executive summary, a detailed CV, and supporting materials such as media coverage, expert reviews, and documented evidence of impact within academic or governmental circles. Best Official Spokesperson The Best Official Spokesperson category sheds light on a unique group of communicators, and this award honours a government employee who has consistently demonstrated exceptional communication skills, a strong and effective media presence, and a proven ability to shape public perception. The ideal nominee embodies clarity, credibility, and readiness, especially during critical situations. They must display a clear track record of successfully engaging the public across both traditional and digital media platforms, all while manifesting leadership in communication strategy and response formulation. Key metrics for evaluation will include their skillfulness at handling challenging questions, presenting accurate information under pressure, and managing communication effectively during crises. Nominees should submit a comprehensive 1,000-word narrative outlining their specific achievements and contributions, a 250-word executive summary, their CV, letters of recommendation, relevant media samples, and analytics demonstrating measurable public engagement or media reach. Additional supporting evidence, such as case studies from previous communication campaigns, logs of media appearances, and examples showcasing innovative communication methods, will further strengthen submissions. How to apply SGCA welcomes entries from individuals and institutions around the world. Submissions must reflect work completed or significantly updated within the past two years. All entries must adhere to SGCA's criteria and include all required documentation for eligibility. The submission deadline is July 24, 2025, and entries can be submitted via the official SGCA portal:
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Communications Committee Puts Conditions to the Approval of Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) Budget
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies has put conditions on the adoption of its budget vote report on the Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS). The committee's conditions have been forwarded to the Standing Committee on Appropriations in terms of section 10(5) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act 9 of 2009. This decision was taken on the basis that the committee felt that the 2025-2030 strategic and 2025/26 annual performance plans of the GCIS as well as the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) lacked clarity and measurable targets. The committee also believes that the GCIS' five-year strategic plan is misaligned to the government's Medium-Term Development Priorities. The strategy refers to the need to move to evidence-based communication without outlining what impact it will have on the country's drive for inclusive economic growth and job creation, and how such will be measured. The committee stands against a spray-and-pray approach to development communication which has no attendant measurable targets and cogent monitoring and evaluation framework. As part of its conditions to the Minister in the Presidency, the committee wants GCIS to, among others, come up with a policy or legislative instrument that is going to ensure alignment, coherence and results-based measurement framework within government communication system. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, said: 'The committee is recommending approval of this budget with a proviso that within the course of twelve months there is legislative reform to ensure that there is a policy instrument that guides government communications.' Ms Diko further said that GCIS needs to fast-track reform on the laws that govern MDDA, Brand South Africa and government media spent. The committee also wants GCIS to provide quarterly performance reports on the implementation of the government communication policy framework. These conditions extend to GCIS' entity, the MDDA, which must provide clarity on how the it is going to be moving community radio stations to self-transmission. The committee also called on MDDA to provide a fundraising strategy with clear measurable targets. The GCIS budget will be debated under vote 4 on Friday, 4 July 2025, in a mini plenary of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber from 13:00 to 15:00 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Guardian
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
No 10 accused of ‘control freakery' over ban on civil servants speaking at events
No 10 has been accused of 'control freakery' after issuing guidance that bans civil servants from any level of speaking at events where journalists are present or from answering questions. The guidance, sent out from No 10 several weeks ago, was issued to ensure that ministers, rather than senior civil servants, should be the spokespeople for the government and at the forefront of communications with the public. Senior officials may be allowed to speak at public events on a case by case basis if they have gone through rigorous clearance requirements and inform No 10 so that it can be scheduled or 'gridded'. However, there is a presumption against them speaking where media are present or where they might have to take part in a question and answer session. Civil servants were told any such event 'should not go ahead'. It had previously been reported by the Times that military chiefs had been restricted from making speeches where media were present – but the guidance has been sent out more widely and applies to all civil servants. A senior government source defended the changes, saying: 'I don't think it should be controversial that government policy is announced and explained by ministers.' But several senior civil servants said that the guidance had already had a chilling effect on engagement with the world outside Whitehall, with one blaming 'control freakery from the centre'. It is understood some Treasury officials took a decision to pull out of an Institute for Government (IfG) event this week as a result of the advice, leading to it being cancelled. The IfG criticised the guidance, with programme director Alex Thomas and director-general Hannah White, saying: 'This is an overreach and will damage the quality of government and public discourse.' They said the clearance requirements were 'defensible but heavy-handed' but added: 'The No10 communications team has banned any official from speaking at events that include question and answer sessions, or where the media are expected to be in attendance, seemingly so that ministers are the only, rather than the primary, people able to represent the government in public. 'The strict nature of the guidance implies a very narrow view of what it is that officials do when they engage in public, and a failure to appreciate what the consequences might be of such restrictions.' They also highlighted that Cabinet Office minister Georgia Gould had called for 'a civil service that is connected to the British people', saying that 'closing discussion down like this sends the opposite signal'. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion There was previously a furore in 2015 when Tory cabinet minister Francis Maude changed the rules to say that government employees are only allowed to speak to the media with prior permission from a minister. Government sources said the guidance around speaking in front of media had long been in place and insisted it did not amount to a ban. They also pointed to recent instances where military chiefs and Chris Whitty, the chief medical officer, had recently spoken in public. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: 'The principle of civil servants rules around media engagement are well longstanding and established, having been clearly outlined in the civil servant management code 2016 and the civil service code. 'It has always been the case, and a constitutional principle, that ministers are ultimately accountable for decisions making to parliament and the public – so it is right they are routinely scrutinised by the media and MPs.' Earlier this month, No 10 was criticised for setting terms that prevented media from reporting speeches made by military chiefs at a Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) conference. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the chief of the air staff, and Gen Sir Jim Hockenhull, the head of strategic command, were among those whose speeches were not allowed to be made public because they were made 'off the record' and on 'not for reporting' terms – in contrast to speeches given at the event by leaders from foreign militaries.
Khaleej Times
21-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah Government Communication Award now open for global entries
The Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) 2025 is now open for entries, welcoming submissions from government entities, private institutions, international organisations, and communication professionals worldwide. Now in its 12th edition, the SGCA honours excellence in government communication and highlights impactful initiatives that build trust and promote positive change. This year's edition includes 23 award categories, with a special focus on four key international categories: Best Integrated Communication System Best Innovation in Government Communication Best Crisis Communication Strategy Best Investment in Soft Power to Support Communication Programmes These categories spotlight major areas in modern communication. The Best Integrated Communication System recognises organisations that have developed cohesive and innovative communication strategies. The Best Innovation in Government Communication rewards creative approaches that use technology and forward-thinking solutions. The Best Crisis Communication Strategy focuses on effective communication during emergencies, highlighting speed, clarity, and impact. The Best Investment in Soft Power honours the use of culture, sports, arts, and similar tools to enhance public engagement and reputation. In 2024, the SGCA received more than 3,800 entries from 44 countries, reinforcing its status as a leading international award in communication. Applications are open until Thursday, July 24, 2025, and must be submitted through the official portal. Eligible projects must have been launched or significantly updated within the last two years.
