Sharjah Ruler opens International Government Communication Forum

SHARJAH: His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday opened the 8th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2019), at Expo Centre Sharjah, in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Organised by the International Government Communication Centre, IGCF 2019 is themed "Behavioural Change Towards Human Development."

The event will convene 70 speakers, including international media and PR stalwarts, policy experts, social entrepreneurs, and communications and technology experts, who will come together to deliver on IGCF 2019’s extensive discussion agenda featuring 37 discussion panels, inspirational speeches, sessions, workshops and interactive forums.

Dr Sultan Bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council, has said that the digital revolution being witnessed globally requires government institutions to develop their internal mechanisms, culture, and strategies to ensure effective communication and interaction with members of society. Rather, it has become a necessity for government bodies to provide interactive platforms to encourage dialogue to obtain desired development goals, he affirmed.

"Held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the International Government Communication Forum is an ideal opportunity for experts and specialists to learn more about the latest developments, strategies, and innovative technologies being applied globally to improve their capabilities, and keep pace with the rapid changes occurring both regionally and internationally," Dr Al Jaber continued, adding that events like IGCF 2019 empower individuals and communities as a whole.

In a statement on the launch of IGCF 2019 in Sharjah, the UAE Minister of State said that the UAE's diverse and young society increases government institutions' responsibilities to ensure that they develop their strategies and techniques for effective communication methods reaching diverse target groups across the country.

Dr Al Jaber said that the National Media Council plays a supportive role, and works closely with government institutions and the UAE community, to encourage the development of innovative, interactive content, as well as showcasing success stories that leave lasting impressions on members of the community, motivating them towards positive change.

"The UAE media has proved to be a reliable partner for both sides of the communication equation, which includes government agencies on the one hand, and society and its members on the other, through the management of a constructive interactive dialogue that is credible and transparent, contributes to the continuous improvement of the quality of life, and supports economic, social, cultural, and intellectual development," Dr Al Jaber concluded.


WAM