SGCA 2025 announces global partnerships with CSO Network, Asia House, AAP to amplify development and cultural communication
Award for 'Outstanding Development & Cultural Communication' co-presented with Asia House and AAP
Asia House leads the subcategory 'Excellence in Communication for Sustainable Development' targeting Southeast Asia
AAP leads the subcategory 'Excellence in Communication for Food Security and Quality of Life'
Sharjah, The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has announced the accreditation of three international institutions as official partners of the Sharjah Government Communication Award 2025 (SGCA), under the 'Partner Awards' categories that spotlight the important role of communication in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
The list of partners includes the Chief Sustainability Officers Network (CSO Network), a leadership platform focused on corporate sustainability; Asia House, a think tank specialising in driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe and the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), a collaborative initiative supporting development across Africa Led by Michigan State University and African institutions.
Through these partnerships, specialised categories have been introduced, with each partner nominating entities or initiatives it deems most deserving based on SGCA's criteria and its area of expertise.
Best Communication Practices Dealing with Development Advances (CSO Network)
Presented in partnership with the CSO Network, the award for 'Best Communication Practices Dealing with Development Advances' category recognises outstanding communication strategies implemented by government, private, or international organisations to address environmental, food security, and sustainable development challenges.
Eligible campaigns must creatively use the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, and digital media, to foster awareness, influence behaviour, and generate tangible, lasting results. Topics may include environmental protection, food security, and sustainable consumption.
Award for Outstanding Development & Cultural Communication (Asia House & AAP)
Presented in partnership with Asia House and AAP, the 'Award for Outstanding Development & Cultural Communication' award honours regional initiatives that use communication to drive tangible, inclusive, and sustainable change.
This category includes two distinct subcategories, with 'Excellence in Communication for Sustainable Development' accredited by Asia House, recognises communication-driven initiatives from Southeast Asia that foster economic, social, cultural, or environmental progress. Eligible projects should show clear, measurable results in improving education, healthcare, environmental practices, or community resilience. Collaboration and the creative use of traditional and digital media to unite communities are central evaluation factors.
The second subcategory in collaboration with AAP and its academic and research partners across Africa, is the 'Excellence in Communication for Food Security and Quality of Life' which acknowledges communication programmes that have made a measurable difference in rural development, agriculture, and food systems. Submissions should demonstrate how the initiative empowered farmers or youth, increased awareness around food security, and implemented innovative methods to create lasting community impact.
Driving communication that transforms communities
Commenting on the newly formed international partnerships, Her Excellency Alia Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, said: 'Communication is no longer just about delivering messages, it is a force for change that strengthens social cohesion and advances humanitarian goals. The new categories highlight communication models addressing global challenges like food security, environmental sustainability, and cultural inclusion and aim to create new opportunities for impactful communication to gain visibility and influence.'
"We are proud to partner with the SGCA on the 'Best Communication Practices Dealing with Development Advances' award," said Dr. Yasar Jarrar, CSO Network Secretary General. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to spotlighting how strategic communication can accelerate sustainability and innovation. At CSO Network, we believe that the right narrative has the power to transform development outcomes and this award will honor those who are shaping the future through bold, effective, and visionary communication."
Michael Lawrence OBE, Chief Executive at Asia House, said: 'Asia House is proud to partner with SGCA 2025 to spotlight the vital role communication plays in shaping inclusive and sustainable development. By recognising initiatives that foster economic and social progress across Southeast Asia, we aim to promote collaboration and inspire innovation to tackle the region's most pressing challenges.'
'During SGCA 2025, the important role of communication in advancing food security and improving quality of life across Africa will be highlighted, said Titus Awokuse, Vice Provost and Dean International Studies and Programs, Michigan State University & SGCA Conference Speaker. 'Effective communication empowers communities, fosters knowledge sharing, and supports sustainable rural development, which are key elements for creating positive change on the continent.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Bangladeshi expat in Dubai wins Dh20-million prize in Big Ticket Draw
As the 3rd of the month arrived yet again, UAE residents awaited Big Ticket's grand prize announcement, hoping to become a millionaire. On August 3, Sabuj, a Bangladeshi expat in Dubai, won a Dh20-million prize, with ticket number 194560, in the Big Ticket Series 277 draw. Meanwhile, six winners also took home Dh50,000 each in consolation prizes. Four lucky individuals also took home prizes up to Dh150,000 each after spinning the 'Big Win' wheel. Last month, a 43-year-old Bangladeshi electrician called Mohammed Naser Balal was named the lucky winner of a whopping Dh25 million in Big Ticket's draw. August promotions The raffle has previously announced the launch of its August grand promotion, with one lucky winner set to take home an incredible Dh15-million grand prize during the live draw on September 3. In addition to the grand prize, on the same night of the live draw, six winners will also receive consolation prizes of Dh100,000 each. Customers who buy two (or more) cash tickets in one transaction between August 1 and 25 will have a chance to be selected to attend the live draw on September 3 and win guaranteed cash prizes ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh150,000. The names of the four confirmed participants will be announced on the Big Ticket website on September 1. August's promotions are also offering a BMW M440i, with the winner to be announced on September 3. In addition, a Range Rover Velar will be given away on October 3.
Filipino Times
5 hours ago
- Filipino Times
OWWA e-Card printer to stay at MWO-Dubai even after Serbisyo Caravan
UAE-based OFWs who were unable to claim their e-Cards during the recent Serbisyo Caravan in Dubai will still be able to get their cards, as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will leave its card printer at the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). 'Huwag kayong mag-alala para sa OWWA dahil hindi lang ito isang araw lang sa Dubai. Iiwan na namin dito 'yung card printer para tuloy-tuloy lang ang pagpi-print ng OWWA e-Card dito sa Dubai,' OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan. Alongside the surge in National ID applications, the OWWA e-Card was among the most in-demand services during the OFW Serbisyo Caravan held at the Dubai World Trade Center on August 3. Active members of OWWA who wish to request an e-Card may complete their registration using a QR code provided by the agency. The QR code will remain available for those who missed the caravan. She added that eligible individuals can claim their e-Card anytime, even after the event. 'Anytime pwede niyong kunin, at kung hindi niyo makukuha today, kayo po ay cocontact-in ng mga tauhan ng OWWA dito sa Dubai,' she said. Thousands of attendees OWWA made the decision after thousands of Filipinos turned up at the one-day event, overwhelming the initial space at Exhibition Hall 8 of the Dubai World Trade Center and prompting organizers to expand the venue to Sheikh Rashid Hall. Caunan acknowledged the large turnout and emphasized the need for recurring caravans in the UAE. 'Hindi natin in-expect na ganito karami ang may kailangan ng serbisyo ng gobyerno dito sa Dubai. Hindi pwedeng isa o dalawang araw lang ito, kailangan ulit-ulitin ito dahil kailangan dito sa UAE dalhin ang serbisyo ng gobyerno,' Caunan said. The OWWA e-Card serves as proof of membership and can be used to access various government services and programs for overseas Filipinos.
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai leads gains in GCC equities in July with almost 8% surge
Dubai continued to outperform other GCC stock markets in July, according to a report published on Sunday. According to Kamco Invest's GCC Markets Monthly Report, the DFM General Index posted its fourth consecutive monthly gain, rising 7.9 per cent to close at 6,159.2 points—marking the strongest monthly performance across the region. This rally pushed the index's year-to-date (YTD) return to 19.4 per cent, the highest among GCC markets in 2025. Sector performance was broadly positive, with five out of eight sector indices recording gains. The Financials Index led the charge, surging 12.1 per cent, followed by Real Estate (+11.7 per cent) and Industrials (+6.9 per cent). The Financials Index was buoyed by double-digit share price increases in major players such as Commercial Bank of Dubai (+20.1 per cent) and Emirates NBD (+17.3 per cent). Conversely, the Consumer Discretionary Index fell 4.2 per cent, the steepest decline among sectors. Bloomberg's monthly stock performance data highlighted Ekttitab Holding Company as the top gainer, soaring 43.2 per cent in July. United Foods Co and Commercial Bank of Dubai followed with gains of 21.5 per cent and 20.1 per cent, respectively. On the downside, International Financial Advisors led the decliners with a 9.2 per cent drop, while National General Insurance and Dubai Refreshments Company fell 8.1 per cent and 7.6 per cent, respectively. Trading activity also picked up momentum. Total share volume rose 7.4 per cent to 7.5 billion shares, up from 7.0 billion in June. The value of shares traded increased 10.7 per cent to Dh16.7 billion. Union Properties led in trading volume with 1.2 billion shares exchanged, followed by Drake & Skull International (836.3 million) and Deyaar Development (669.7 million). In terms of value, Emaar Properties topped the chart with Dh3.6 billion in trades, followed by Dubai Islamic Bank (Dh1.5 billion) and Emirates NBD (Dh1.2 billion). Abu Dhabi maintains upward momentum The FTSE ADX Index in Abu Dhabi also recorded its fourth straight monthly gain, rising 4.1 per cent in July after a 2.8 per cent increase in June. The index closed at 10,370.66 points, bringing its YTD gain to 10.1 per cent. Seven out of ten sector indices posted gains, with Health Care, Financials, and Real Estate driving the overall growth. The Health Care Index led with an 11.0 per cent rise, closing at 2,162.1 points, supported by gains across all four constituent companies—most notably PureHealth, which jumped 11.9 per cent. The Real Estate Index climbed 7.0 per cent to 14,115.3 points, bolstered by price increases in all five companies, including a 20.2 per cent surge in Al Khaleej Investment Co. Meanwhile, the Utilities Index saw the sharpest decline, falling 4.6 per cent. Regional overview Across the region, GCC markets continued to rise in July, driven by optimism around Q2 earnings. The MSCI GCC Index posted a 2.2 per cent gain, its second consecutive monthly increase, with broad-based contributions from all exchanges. On a YTD basis, the index was up 3.7 per cent, reflecting positive momentum across most markets—except Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which declined by 9.3 per cent and 1.5 per cent, respectively.
