Sharjah: Governments cannot afford to take a back seat in the online communication process, as it allows “ideology forces” to fill the gaps by influencing and forming public opinion, said former president of Lebanon, Michel Sulaiman, on the first day of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) in Sharjah.
Referring to the fast and developing communication technology and social media channels, Sulaiman pointed out that individuals can fall under the pressure of taking sides under the influence of extremist propaganda and ideology. “This is why states should counter hate with effective communication with the public,” he said.
“The age of one-way communication is over. Communication is a culture, and not just a process now.”
He explained that governments are in urgent need of taking the lead in the communication process as it allows them to partner with the people and choose effective institutions and representatives.
“Governments must play a central role in leading discussion and debate between all sectors of society,” Sulaiman said.
He emphasised the need for states to dismantle top-down centralised communication style of governments, as they are no longer the only stakeholders.
“Shadow governments, student and civil movements, social media users are all part of the communication mix,” he said.
Referring to the impact of ideology forces, Sulaiman said it is up to the international society such as the UN and Security Council to hold a joint front in solving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and in fighting terrorism and eradicating extremism.
With communication technology being the key influence of today’s globalised society, Sulaiman pointed out that governments are facing some challenges in finding an effective means of communication with their people. “Scientific development in the form of technology is influencing people’s views as the media society is a consumer, globalised society,” he said.
He called on governments to practise transparency and flexibility in communication, and to separate legal authorities from executive authorities in order to avoid dictatorship.
Sulaiman pointed out the need for more forums and seminars that focus on media interaction and communication. He concluded his speech by thanking Sharjah for holding the International Government Communication Forum, the only one of its kind in the region. “The UAE is a country that fills us with hope and proves that Arabs can be the makers of achievements and success,” he said.