IFJ HOSTS BRIEFED ABOUT INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION FORUM HOSTED BY SHARJAH GOVERNMENT MEDIA BUREAU; STRESS ON BUILDING BRIDGES OF COOPERATION 

Sharjah, UAE, April 8, 2017 – As part of its efforts to bolster relations with the global media community and build bridges of cooperation and understanding with media organisations and journalists from around the world, a Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) delegation, led by HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC), is taking part in the International Journalism Festival (IJF), being held from April 5-9, 2017 in Perugia, Italy.

The Sharjah delegation observed and took part in a number of sessions and activities of the Festival, interacting with other delegations from around the world.

Speaking about Sharjah’s participation in the global media festival, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: “This visit comes as part of our keenness to actively participate in various international media events and keep abreast of the latest developments and trends in the field of media. This helps us continuously improve and enhance our performance as part of our strategy to achieve the desired objectives, particularly in light of the remarkable achievements witnessed by the media sector in Sharjah.”

On the sidelines of the 5-day forum, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi met Christopher Potter, Director of the Festival, to discuss the ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation and relations between the International Journalism Festival and Sharjah’s flagship event, International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), hosted annually by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the media and communication arm of the Sharjah government. 

The Chairman of Sharjah Media Council also briefed his hosts about the International Government Communication Centre (IGCC) recently launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on the sidelines of the IGCF 2017.  The IGCC will be managed by the SGMB.    

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi described the Perugia Festival as an excellent opportunity to learn about the achievements of participants from around the world, and benefit from the sessions in which top media and communication experts and eminent professionals showcase their work and experiences in the field, as well as to build bridges of constructive cooperation with various leaders of the industry from across the globe.

The International Journalism Festival is the biggest annual media event in Europe, attracting thousands from around the world.  The 2016 event included 259 sessions and 549 speakers in the 5-day festival.  Founded in 2006 by journalists Arianna Ciccone and Christopher Potter, it has come to be recognised as one of the most prestigious talkfests and networking events of the industry.  All sessions of the IJF are free and open to public. 
Invaluable insights are shared every year by award-winning journalists and top experts in the field from around the world. 

The sessions spread across five days cover a wide array of issues including various fields of conventional media and new media, media freedom, human rights, migration, social media, online harassment, media and Islam, emergencies and media, media influencing innovation and women in journalism etc.

The IJF 2017 also featured a number of prominent Arab journalists, intellectuals and activists who turned the focus on many of the challenges and issues faced by the region.