IGCF 07: Sharjah press Club Organises Interactive...

The sixth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) hosted an interesting interactive session organised by the Sharjah Press Club under the title The Need for Press Clubs. The session drew the participation of several media professionals and academics from the UAE and abroad.

Moderated by journalist Wael Neil, the session hosted prominent speakers including Hessa Al-Ossaily, a pioneer in women's journalism in the UAE, who is considered the Mother of UAE Media, and Dr Ayesha Sultan, an Emirati writer. The session discussed the important role of press clubs in supporting the development of journalists and media professionals, providing opportunities to improve their knowledge, and strengthening social relations between journalists.

Participants learnt about the importance of press clubs in extending the network of knowledge and professional relationships these bonds not only facilitate greater professional standards and cooperation in covering the news, but also help promote a healthy spirit of competition leading to excellence in journalistic standards in the country. Given these capabilities, press clubs help contribute to further development and progress in the press and media sector.

Hessa Al-Ossaily explained that there is a spirit of camaraderie among the various media institutions in the UAE, and pointed out that this interdependence and integration contributes effectively to the advancement of the media sector. She stressed that the societal goals of journalism and media are the same in general, noting that press clubs play an active and vital role in helping journalists and supporting their performance. She also noted that the UAE is a perfect example of cohesion, solidarity and teamwork that serves the wider public interest.

For her part, Dr Ayesha Sultan pointed out that press clubs offer many positive contributions through activities and panel discussions to highlight the latest developments in the sector and introduce journalists to best practices to ensure their constant development. She noted that these clubs through their intensive training programmes help journalists upgrade skills, build social bonds of friendship across different media entities, increase competition levels, and contribute to achieving the wider mission of the media sector.

Huda Al Dah, Manager of Sharjah Press Club, underlined the role of the club in leveraging the IGCF platform to host several workshops and thought sessions that featured government communication specialists and experts and helped highlight the role of government communication in achieving positive results.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) was held from March 22 to 23 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Themed Societal Participation Comprehensive Development', IGCF 2017 examined how nations around the world can leverage effective government communication to achieve the United Nations'

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have become the top priority of government programmes, international institutions, media organisations and civil society.

Offering a transparent platform to examine current issues and formulate recommendations to help governments optimise the impact of their communication, IGCF 2017 convened more than 2,500 local and international personalities from the ranks of government officials, experts, thought leaders, and government communication professionals.

LINK:	http://www.sharjahmedia.ae/en/media-centre/news/24/3/2017/igcf-2017-sh...
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