The SGMB is committed to assisting the UAE in consolidating its distinct media position globally.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) hosts a series of workshops as part of the Global Media Congress (GMC), organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with Emirates News Agency (WAM) and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The congress takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi from November 14-16, 2023.

According to Alya Mohammed Bu Ganem Al Suwaidi, Director of the SGMB, the workshops, featuring experts and experienced individuals, complement the media bureau's objectives by disseminating knowledge, fostering the exchange of opinions and expertise, and developing media development proposals.

Al Suwaidi emphasised the SGMB's commitment to assisting the UAE in consolidating its distinct media position globally, in line with the country's qualitative developmental strides.

The first day's sessions focused on the role of sports media in enhancing cultural communication between nations, the role of spokespersons in increasing public trust in government entities, best practices and strategies, the development of a promising media generation, and the importance of engaging youth in shaping the future. The seminars also included success stories from the media industry.

 The discussion also covered future challenges facing media coverage.

Ahmed Sultan, a presenter for the Sharjah Broadcasting and Television Authority, moderated the "Soft Power" sports media session, which included remarks from Mohammed Al Jokar, a journalist, and Sharjah Sports Council Chairman Issa Hilal Al Hazami.

Mohammed Al Mulla, a prominent figure in Kuwaiti media, hosted the second session, "Skills Development: Stimulating Innovation," which included Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). The discussion emphasised the necessity of cultivating an innovative culture and its role in achieving long-term success.

The workshops also covered the importance of leadership in fostering an innovative culture, utilising technology and creative ideas to enhance the audience experience, and steering the sector towards a more sophisticated future. They discussed the tools and technology that help to improve innovation abilities and cultivate an inventive mindset as a way of life, as well as the development of critical and creative thinking skills.

The SGMB's programme during the Global Media Congress featured a session on "Partnership in Shaping the Future Youth." The discussion focused on the UAE's efforts to prepare young people and the role of youth councils as incubators for innovation and accelerators for engagement, emphasising that youth are a critical force in determining nations' futures.

Speakers emphasised the role of youth as a driving force in building a successful and sustainable future, highlighted concerns and challenges confronting youth, and examined methods to improve collaboration and partnership between youth and government institutions.

Dr Manal Abdul Wahab, a family counselling expert, summarised her extensive experience in developing positive communication skills, emphasising the importance of positivity in the development of ideas and creativity, as well as the role of ethical values, honesty, and transparency in increasing productivity and motivating work.

The session "The Spokesperson: Image, Position, and Function" explored the skills and traits necessary for a spokesperson, as well as ethical issues for spokespersons and best practices and ways to improve the spokesperson's position as a bridge between the government and citizens.

Matar Al Hosani, a senior field editor at the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, presented the day's final session, "Under the Spotlight: Success Stories in Media Coverage." The workshop focused on success stories in media coverage, how media outlets and journalists overcame challenges and rapid changes in the media industry, and encouraging and mentoring journalists and other media outlets to innovate and enhance their work.

Al Hosani shared real-life stories in the field of media and journalism from those who succeeded in media coverage exceptionally, influencing public opinion. The successful stories inspired and guided journalists and other media outlets towards innovation and improvement in their work. The discussion also covered future challenges facing media coverage and how successful experiences can contribute to addressing them.