14th Annual Global Communication Conference on Dugongs, Seagrass kicks off at Zayed University

(WAM)-- The 14th annual Global Communication (GlobCom) Conference on Dugong and Seagrass kicked off today at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi campus under the theme: "Building Global Communication Networks for a Cause".

Professor Reyadh Al Mehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, inaugurated the conference, which will run until Monday, to link students from around 16 universities from 16 countries in a competition to produce the best public relations strategy for a global task.

This year, the international student teams collaborated virtually via new media to create a strategic plan for the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project. Students worked towards raising awareness of the threats towards this endangered species.

Addressing the audience, Professor Al Mehaideb said in his welcoming speech, "I am delighted to be here with you today at the 14th annual Global Communication conference with about 16 prestigious universities from different countries in 5 continents to support a global cause, "The Conservation of Marine Wild Life."

"This annual event first started in 2003 and Zayed University was honoured to host it at three previous occasions starting in 2008, during which around 72 students from eight different countries participated. Over the years, we have witnessed its growth to reach attendance of 170 international guests and experts today coming from across the globe," he added.

Professor Al Mehaideb also expressed his gratitude to sponsor and partner with the Annual Global International Conference including the Mohamed Bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, which provides targeted grants to individual species conservation initiatives; recognise leaders in the field of species conservation, and elevate the importance of species in the broader conservation debate.

He pointed out that hosting GlobCom not only provides a great learning experience for the participating students, but also expands Zayed University’s academic interaction and mutual cooperation with international universities.

"This year’s conference is held under the theme of "Building Global Communication Networks for a Cause. And by gathering here today, we all are part of the international network for cross-cultural understanding and international education. Students will have the opportunity to engage in a competition with their peers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds to create the best public relations strategy for the Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project. I wish your event every success and I am confident that it will add a valuable learning experience to students and participants," AlMehaideb added.

The event has also seen the presence of Dr. Frederic Launay, Board Member and Acting Director-General at the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Dr. Volker Stolz, President and Founder of the GlobCom Institute in Berlin, Germany, Cultural Attache at the German, American and Australian Embassies, and a large number of faculty members, academics and experts in the field of mass communication , marketing, and public relations.

Dr. Launay said, "Today is the International Day of Biological Diversity and we will join many people and many organisations around the world in celebrating biodiversity and species.

The 2016 Global Communication Project will take on the challenge of "Building Global Communication Networks for a Cause", the cause being the preservation of Dugongs and Seagrass. And this is a challenge. How to convey the needs to care and feel responsible for the fate of species and its ecosystem; in eight countries of the Indian and Pacific Oceans; with a wide array of culture, tradition, and language."

"It is a challenge to convince people to work together to save species that most people will never actually see in its environment. Saving species is a challenge that the Mohamed bin Zayed Fund took eight years ago, at a time where species conservation and the people committed to it, were left alone. Today the Fund has supported more than 1300 projects in over 140 countries," he added.

The conference saw the presence of delegates from different countries including: Germany, Spain, Italy, India, New Zealand, Italy, Russia, South Africa, UK, United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Portugal, Turkey, Australia, Chile, and UAE.

The three-day conference, which started on May 21 and will end on May 23, also seen the presence of Dr. Volker Stolz, who gave welcome remarks at the event.

"The GlobCom Project aims at preparing students for an increasingly global work environment. We are giving young public relation students the unique opportunity to simulate working in a multinational team for a real client, an experience that will get them ready for their future," Stolz said.

"Working in global online teams is not always an easy process. Cultures are diverse and there are many prejudices and misunderstandings to be overcome which can be frustrating. Even in Europe common words and terms may not have the same meaning. Furthermore, public relations is often understood and implemented differently in each country. Also, working virtually means we do not have the same social benefits as face-to-face teams. Therefore, building team cooperation and carrying out regular communication is more challenging but even more vital," he added.

Three winning finalists will be announced on Monday out of nine international competing teams. The awarding ceremony will be held at the Ferrari World.

Dr. Marilyn Roberts, Acting Provost at Zayed University, Sean Cleary, Chairman of Strategic Concept and Executive Vice Chair of the Future World Foundation, and Dr. Volker Stolz, President and Founder of the GlobCom Institute, will be present at the ceremony to announce and recognize winners.

The GlobCom conference also saw the attendance of Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, who gave a keynote address, besides local and international experts, who engaged in open discussions and most up-to-date research and practice in international public relations including: Mazen Nahawi, CEO of Carma, Ghaleb Zeidan, Managing Director of Weber Shandwick, Khansa Al Blouki, Outreach Manager from Abu Dhabi Environmental Agency, Steve Martin , Partner at Brunswick Group, and Nick McElwee, Director of Sales and Marking at Yas Marina Circuit.

WAM/Hazem/Majok