His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, today inaugurated the fifth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2016) immediately after the emirate was formally handed over the prestigious honour of the Capital of Arab Press' for 2016. In his opening speech, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi said: Observers of the experience of Sharjah - a small emirate with big experience - know that while we focus on scientific and technological advancement, it is always accompanied by moral and social development - the two facets of our progress. We should not pursue advancement of today at the cost of tomorrow. This means being aware of the consequences [of development], such as environmental pollution. Pursuing development should not be at the expense of losing our principles and values. All leaders should understand and own the concept of responsibility and follow principles of sustainable development.
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, today inaugurated the fifth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2016) immediately after the emirate was formally handed over the prestigious honour of the Capital of Arab Press' for 2016.
In his opening speech, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi said: Observers of the experience of Sharjah - a small emirate with big experience - know that while we focus on scientific and technological advancement, it is always accompanied by moral and social development - the two facets of our progress. We should not pursue advancement of today at the cost of tomorrow. This means being aware of the consequences [of development], such as environmental pollution. Pursuing development should not be at the expense of losing our principles and values. All leaders should understand and own the concept of responsibility and follow principles of sustainable development.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah added: We must be conscious of a clearer vision. Elaborating further, he said that while advancement' is an old concept that has been associated with improving humanity through technological and scientific progress, the term has also been used as a threat to society, with the potential to even cause its demise. He cited the example of British colonialism, which has been associated with destruction alongside construction. The example of Hiroshima, he said, is a part and parcel of the so-called advancement.
Thanking IGCF participants, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre, said that today we notice greater awareness of the importance of government communication among the public, governments and other stakeholders. There is by and large an acknowledgement of the crucial role that government communication plays in shaping a sustained dialogue between government organisations and the communities they serve.
However, some sceptics are still questioning the practicality of government communication. They believe that simply providing the best government services would satisfy the needs and aspirations of the public, he added.
Emphasising the critical role of government communication, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi further said that we realise that communication is central to the work that governments do and is a driving force in getting that work done. Communication is integral to exploring and foreseeing trends, needs and expectations of public opinion. It helps governments anticipate and act upon the questions raised by the public regarding their services and programmes.
Furthermore, government services without carefully planned and strategic communication that factors in public opinion and reaches out to all targeted audiences with clear messages remains incomplete or ineffective in an increasingly technology-enabled world, he added.
He also said: Governments have stepped up their communication focus and methods in order to listen to the young social media generation. The youth of the 21st century are vocal about expressing their opinions on any and every issue - via photos on Instagram, words on Twitter, videos on YouTube and a combination of all these elements on Facebook and other platforms.
Governments now need to target generations that are able and willing to express themselves and are uniquely open to all cultures. We need to listen to them to utilise their innovative ideas and abilities to further develop our countries and societies.
For his part, His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of National Media Council (NMC), highlighted the important role played by the media as the UAE embarks on a new phase of progress and development under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their Highnesses, the Members of the Supreme Council of the Federation and Rulers of the Emirates.
Speaking on the future of media in the UAE, His Excellency Dr Al Jaber said: We must focus on constant development of the media in line with our national principles. Within a framework of responsible freedom, media organisations need to take steps to ensure accuracy and professionalism, align their operations with rapid technological advancements and strengthen the nation.
He said the media and government communication services are essential tools for the society to achieve its goals, adding that the nation's media have an important role and responsibility to present an accurate picture of
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His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, today inaugurated the fifth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2016) immediately after the emirate was formally handed over the prestigious honour of the Capital of Arab Press' for 2016. In his opening speech, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi said: Observers of the experience of Sharjah - a small emirate with big experience - know that while we focus on scientific and technological advancement, it is always accompanied by moral and social development - the two facets of our progress. We should not pursue advancement of today at the cost of tomorrow. This means being aware of the consequences [of development], such as environmental pollution. Pursuing development should not be at the expense of losing our principles and values. All leaders should understand and own the concept of responsibility and follow principles of sustainable development. 
