IGCF a valuable forum to shape a better future

Taking off with a powerful theme ‘Beyond Communications’, the 9th edition of the International Government Communication Forum, IGCF, effectively shed light on key challenges and issues in the field of government communication on motivating individuals to play a key role in the development drive.

Sharjah launched the inaugural edition of the IGCF in 2012 and the first-of-its-kind event has come a long way.

Its latest edition robustly reflected Sharjah’s efforts to bring together international experts and practitioners on one unified platform for the exchange of information and expertise, and to develop new methods and techniques for more effective government communication amid rapid technological changes.

The fact that the event convened scores of speakers, including government officials representing 16 countries along with international media and PR stalwarts, policy experts, social entrepreneurs, and communications and technology experts highlights its significance.

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, well stated that “communication for the public” has been at the heart of Sharjah’s 40-year cultural project.

In his own words: “I have not written a single letter instructing people on what to do. Our leading cultural, scientific and artistic developments and achievements – this global forum, for instance – have been outcomes of the participatory dialogue and open government-citizenry communication. I call this ‘popular communication’.”

The Ruler of Sharjah rightly emphasised that accountability for the success of public communication lies with multiple stakeholders from across various sectors, and not just the government. People in charge of internal and external communication in companies, journalists, PR professionals, website designers and media figures will together carry out these responsibilities.

Fabricated news is another huge challenge that the world faces.

As Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, aptly asked, why is there a pressing need to transform the role of government communication from a one-way message delivery service to a two-way and participatory process?

The multifaceted challenges governments face around the world with regard to the health, environment, security and cultural sectors are because of the media spreading misinformation, or fabricated news affecting the trust between them and their people.

Sharjah deserves kudos for being a major contributor to the region’s government communication sector and playing a leading role in developing professionals in the field with international competencies.

No wonder, there was all-round acclaim. Former Director-General of Unesco Irina Bokova mentioned there was no better place than Sharjah to speak about cross-cultural communication and the process of social inclusion.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas – actor, producer and activist – affirmed that by talking about the vital role of communication within governments and between countries, and taking it to the next level by organising the IGCF, Sharjah has set an amazing example for the rest of the world, reinforcing its credentials as a vibrant cultural hub.

Bringing so many leaders from around the world to the forum to steer a conversation on what governments can do to promote cross-cultural understanding is an incredible initiative for which Sharjah ought to be lauded, she pointed out.

By offering an opportunity to listen to the experiences of international communication experts who have launched some of the most powerful public campaigns and initiatives aimed at serving humankind, the IGCF has proved to be a valuable exercise.

Good communication allows people to be able to enjoy various public services and enhance their lives. Sharjah has positively achieved this.