Sharjah Government Communication Award 07 Witnees...

Sharjah Media Centre (SMC) today announced that it has witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of participants in the fourth edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (GCA 2017), with a 36% surge in the number of entries for the annual award.

Registrations for the 2017 edition of the GCA are now closed and all submissions are being carefully vetted as part of the initial sorting process. This year, the first-of-its-kind award, has recorded an unprecedented number of submissions from several local and federal UAE government entities, as well as from government departments and organisations throughout the GCC region. In addition, journalists and university students across the UAE are also vying for the coveted prize in specially dedicated categories.

Asma Al Juwaied, Manager of the Sharjah Government Communication Award, said: The growth in the number of applications in all categories reflects the status and importance of the GCA on a local and regional level. We are pleased to share that in a bid to compete for this award, there has been a tangible improvement in the development of working mechanisms in government entities in the UAE and across the wider region. This achievement validates our efforts and encourages Sharjah Media Centre to continue enhancing the scope and scale of the award to ensure it is on par with international standards in the years to come.

She added: The new categories that we announced and implemented for the first time in the third edition of the GCA last year, have witnessed significant uptake. These categories are dedicated to government entities in the GCC region and to journalists in the UAE. We are happy to report that their inclusion has truly enriched the quality of submissions and further enhanced competition among government entities looking to develop their communication work.

The initial sorting process includes reviewing submitted applications, ensuring they meet the general requirements and standards, and comply with the stipulations of their respective categories. Applications will then be submitted to the award's jury panel, whose members will carry out the final evaluation to choose the winners in each category. The winners will be announced at a special award ceremony on 23 March 2017.

The Sharjah Government Communication Award comprises 11 categories, including three that are dedicated to government entities in Sharjah. These include Best Practice in Government Communication, Best Official Spokesperson, and Best Government Website. Four award categories are exclusively dedicated to UAE government entities - Best Media Crisis Management, Best Government Communication Strategy, Best Government Intercommunication Practice, and Best Government Communication Campaign outside the UAE.

Two award categories will honour government entities in the UAE and the GCC region. These include Best Government Social Media Engagement and Best Government Communication Campaign. Meanwhile, the Best Graduation Project and Research on Government Communication category will honour media and communication students in the UAE. Likewise, the Best Press Report category will recognise the contributions of journalists in the UAE.

Since its launch in September 2012 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Government Communication Award has served as a platform to celebrate best professional practices in the government communication sector in the UAE and the wider GCC region through rewarding individual and organisational achievements in this field.

LINK:	http://www.sharjahmedia.ae/en/media-centre/news/6/2/2017/sharjah-gover...
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