The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has accredited three international institutions as official partners of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) 2025.
The SGCA 2025 will now include specialized award categories presented in partnership with the Chief Sustainability Officers Network (CSO Network), Asia House, and the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP).
The new collaborations fall under the ‘Partner Awards’ categories, designed to emphasize the role of communication in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Each institution will nominate initiatives or organizations it considers exemplary, in line with SGCA’s judging criteria and the partners’ respective areas of expertise.
The CSO Network, a global leadership platform focused on corporate sustainability, is partnering on the category ‘Best Communication Practices Dealing with Development Advances’.
This award will recognize outstanding communication strategies implemented by government bodies, private sector organizations, or international institutions to address pressing global challenges such as environmental degradation, food insecurity, and sustainable development.
To qualify, initiatives must demonstrate creative use of modern communication tools, including artificial intelligence, digital media, and data analysis, to raise awareness, influence public behavior, and achieve measurable, long-term results. Campaigns may focus on themes like environmental protection, food security, or sustainable consumption models.
Dr. Yasar Jarrar, Secretary General of the CSO Network, said that, “We are proud to partner with the SGCA on the ‘Best Communication Practices Dealing with Development Advances’ award. 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.”
Her Excellency Alia Al Suwaidi Director- SGMB
“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.”
Another new category, ‘Award for Outstanding Development and Cultural Communication’, is presented jointly by Asia House and AAP. This category includes two distinct subcategories, with ‘Excellence in Communication for Sustainable Development’ accredited by Asia House, recognizes 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.
Asia House, a London-based think tank promoting political and commercial engagement between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, will oversee the subcategory ‘Excellence in Communication for Sustainable Development’. This award recognizes initiatives from Southeast Asia that have used communication to promote inclusive, sustainable growth.
Michael Lawrence OBE, Chief Executive of Asia House, stated that, “Asia House is proud to partner with SGCA 2025 to spotlight the vital role communication plays in shaping inclusive and sustainable development. By recognizing 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.”
The second subcategory, ‘Excellence in Communication for Food Security and Quality of Life’, is administered in collaboration with AAP, a development-focused initiative led by Michigan State University in partnership with African academic institutions.
This award honors communication programs that have demonstrated measurable impact in rural development, agricultural innovation, and food systems across Africa. Eligible projects must show how they empowered local communities, particularly youth and farmers, raised awareness of food security issues, and employed innovative communication strategies to drive sustainable development.
Titus Awokuse, Vice Provost and Dean of International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University and SGCA Conference Speaker, noted that, “During SGCA 2025, the important role of communication in advancing food security and improving quality of life across Africa will be highlighted. Effective communication empowers communities, fosters knowledge sharing, and supports sustainable rural development, which are key elements for creating positive change on the continent.”
The SGCA 2025 aims to position Sharjah as a global platform for recognizing excellence in communication strategies that contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and cross-cultural understanding.
