Sharjah: Sharjah has been declared as the Capital of Arab Press 2016 during the opening of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) on Sunday.
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, received the baton of the declaration from Haitham Yousef, secretary-general of the United Arab Media Council (UAMC) at the event venue Expo Centre.
During his address, Dr Shaikh Sultan said national progress and scientific advancement should not come at the expense of social values or the environment, for example. He stressed that today’s happiness should not be a cause for grief tomorrow, explaining that progress should be long-term and planned rather than expedient or impromptu.
“Moral and social development are the two wings of advancement,” he said during his speech. Sharjah has a “well-reflected plan” to chart its progress in the coming years, Dr Shaikh Sultan added.
Also speaking during the opening ceremony was Amal Alamuddin Clooney, a lawyer, international human rights activist and author, who is also known for her marriage to Hollywood start George Clooney.
She shared her suggestions for governments to be vocal, responsible and quick in their communications regarding human rights, which also affect their trade and political positions in the global community.
Amal said she was impressed with the fact the UAE has the highest happiness ranking in the region for its people.
The two-day IGCF is featuring local and international speakers discussing the importance of effective communication, especially between governments and their people in line with this year’s theme.
