Harris, who recently joined the advisory board of media consultancy firm SAHARA Communications, said during a seminar in Dubai that the West does not have a great understanding of the Middle East, and that the portrayal of the sudden string of events in the region (later dubbed the ‘Arab Spring’) through a mix of shocking images and confusing and overlapping announcements, could be quite damaging to the region.
Highlighting that this one-sided perspective cannot be changed overnight, Harris stressed the importance of opening up a dialogue between the UK media and the Arab world. “There is no quick fix to clear misconceptions in the media. There are different ways to go about it for different regions, but you, the Arab World, needs to do something because people in the West are not listening to the Middle East voices,” she said.
“The timing is perfect now as people can see a young demographic on the move. And the West is ready to listen. Thus the region should take advantage of it.”
“We are delighted to have someone like Colleen Harris to assist in guiding new Arab governments on ways to build their public image in a proper and professional way,” Dr Ahmed Samerai, SAHARA Communications Chairman said.
“Public relations are an art, and should be practised by skilled individuals with the capability of getting out the best pictures to the public. Colleen is one of these individuals, and played a major role in overseeing the British monarchy’s public affairs.”
Harris acknowledged the power of social media, which helped brought revolutions in the Arab world, but stressed the importance of contacting established media in order to bring about a change in the current perspective.
“Big media houses should be approached because they set the trend. If you want to be heard and convince the high-profile policy-makers in the West, you need to go through the big media houses, not through twitter or Facebook”.
With more than 25 years’ experience ranging from the British Royal Household, via Downing Street, to international NGOs, Harris has a strong track record of working in high-profile media and communications roles. This professional experience is complemented by a broad portfolio of trusteeships and non-executive director roles in the arts, education and health.
Harris held a senior communications position in the Prime Minister’s Office before being appointed Press Secretary to HRH the Prince of Wales, and was the first Black member of the Royal Household. She also media-managed the emergence of Princes William and Harry into the public eye. Her career has included senior posts in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, and the Cabinet Office as well as in non-departmental Public Bodies. She has worked in Britain and abroad as a consultant with private companies, non-profit organisations and UN agencies, including the World Health Organisation.