Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi plans closer strategic cooperation with Alastair Campbell and Sky News International

UK-London/Sharjah Media Centre: June 18, 2014 – His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre and Sharjah Media Corporation, held meetings on strategic long-term cooperation with Alastair Campbell and Sky News International on June 17, 2014Tuesday in London, UK.

Present at the meeting with Alastair Campbell were also Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre, and Mohammed Khalaf, Director of Sharjah TV and Radio.

HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi looked into opportunities to enhance the significant role of government communication in Sharjah primarily through its government agenda and Sharjah Executive Council.

HE elaborated on recommendations that came during the third edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) and on their implementation in a discussion with Alastair Campbell while with Sky News International a promising exchange on a closer partnership for the International Government Communication Forum for 2015 and on a long-term prospect was induced.

HE said: "We have seen great changes since the establishment of Sharjah Media Centre and the government communication programme, including initiatives such as the International Government Communication Forum and the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

The next phase is to implement the system we are working on in the form of practical steps that seek to develop the local government communication system and government agenda further.”

HE added: “Sharjah is leading with its efforts in government communication and involvement of its 50 authorities and with our strategic partnerships we are aiming to set an example for the region.”

Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre, highlighted the vision of the two-day forum, which looks into best practices in government communication worldwide and their implementation in the emirate Sharjah. “Our vision for the IGCF is to be the platform for best practices in government communication worldwide. In the previous edition in February 2014, we highlighted the role that government communication can play in improving a country’s image, and influencing its economic, social, and political future.”

Osama Samra added: “We are keen on providing government communication officers, communication professionals and students with the latest best practices and focus increasingly on academic content. We are confident that Sky News International will be contributing with their highly experienced and qualified higher management to the IGCF 2015.”

Mohammed Khalaf, Director of Sharjah TV and Radio, assessed the studios and operations of Sky News International closely and discussed options for exchange of resources and content: “At Sharjah Media Corporation, we are working with the latest equipment and latest technological developments. Next to this, we are interested to equip our employees with the latest skills and knowledge that contribute to a better quality of broadcast for our viewership and continuous development of local talent.”