The International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), an initiative of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has announced that it will continue to receive applications for the seventh edition of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), until January 2, 2020.

Eight new categories have been introduced to SGCA this year to encourage wider participation in addition to allowing participating organisations more time to familiarise themselves with the revised submission criteria and regulations. SGCA aims to recognise and highlight the outstanding global success stories in government communication practices applied by local, regional and international organisations.

Jawaher Al Naqbi, Manager of International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), pointed out that SGCA aims to expand the strategic scope of its focus and position itself as an international award with a global outlook and reach. The award is organised by IGCC and will be announced on the side-lines the 9th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), to be held on March 4 – 5, 2020.

Four nomination methods

There are four ways by which an individual or organisation can be nominated for the award. Those eligible may nominate themselves and apply directly for the award. The SGCA judging panel may also identify and nominate individuals or organisations deserving of the award. A partner of an entity engaged in government communication is also eligible to nominate that entity.

The fourth method of nomination is restricted to the UAE category of awards. Members of the public can nominate a government communication campaign that has influenced change in individuals and the community for ‘The Voice of the People’ award.

Nomination forms are available on the SGCA website.

Application submission

Eligible candidates may submit a 3-minute video that encapsulates the main idea of the campaign, its mode of implementation, results and impact. A comprehensive document containing a full description of the initiative or campaign must be submitted along with reasons why the candidate should be considered for the award.

For the ‘The Voice of the People’ category, candidates are nominated by the public on the SGCA website. Members of the public can either endorse or reject a candidate online by providing specific reasons for doing so.

Eight new categories created to drive innovation in government communication

The 7th edition of the Award will include the following new categories: ‘The Voice of the People’ – UAE, which will be presented to a local entity that has made the biggest impact on its audience; and ‘Best Media Programme that Made a Difference’, awarded to an entity in the Arab world that had a positive social impact through social or traditional media.

In the global category, ‘Best Press Photo on Government Communication’ will be presented to a media professional or institution whose photograph or cartoon influenced public behaviour towards a certain issue. ‘Best Use of New Technology’ award is given to a government body which launched a smart application/video or used new technology to enhance its interactions with the target audience.

The ‘Best Use of Data’ will be awarded to an entity that has demonstrated the best use of data and data visualisation to convey information; the ‘Best Idea to Increase Engagements (Influence) of Future Generations’ will go to an entity or campaign team demonstrating an increase in Gen Z and younger audience engagement; the ‘Best Use of Partnerships’ award is given to an entity that has led a successful campaign based on an innovative partnership between two or more parties; and ‘Best initiative to Manage Fake News’ will go to an entity that has developed tools to successfully analyse data and check fake news.

Launched in 2012 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the SGCA aims to entrench best professional practices in government communication in the UAE, GCC and the greater Arab world by highlighting and recognising outstanding achievements by individuals and organisations in the field.