IGCF 2024 will explore the vision of key experts to contribute to shaping the future of communication worldwide. Photo used for illustrative purposes only.

The 13th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024) will highlight successful global practices and emerging trends in communication, featuring case studies and experiences from Jordan, Nigeria, and Tuvalu. These governments are shortlisted for the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau on 4th-5th September at Expo Centre Sharjah, the forum will host 28 panel discussions and speeches under the ‘Gov Talks’ and ‘Gov Dialogues’ platforms, focusing on innovations shaping the future of communication.

Key participants include the Ministry of Community Development, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Sharjah Youth Council, and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), among others focusing on sustainability, youth, and innovation.

Jordan will present its ‘For a Drop of Water’ campaign, nominated for the ‘Best Innovative and Resilient Communication Initiatives’ category of the SGCA. Launched by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the General Water Authority in 2024, the campaign promotes efficient water use and consumption behaviour change.

Tuvalu’s ‘World’s First Digital Nation’ project, nominated in the same category, aims to secure the island nation’s identity and rights by becoming a digital nation.

Nigeria will showcase the ‘Citifeed App: Eyes and Ears on Government Performance’, nominated for the ‘Best Innovation in Government Communication’ award. Launched by Kaduna State, the app involves public engagement in monitoring infrastructure projects and assessing government performance.

The forum will also feature speeches by nominees for the ‘Best Communication Practices for Dealing with Developmental Changes’ category, including ‘Mega Green Accelerators’ by PepsiCo, ‘Sustainability at the Heart of Al-Futtaim’s Strategy’ by Al-Futtaim Group, and ‘Emirates Nature-WWF (World Wildlife Fund).’

‘Gov Talks’ will cover topics including ‘How Ageing Becomes the Essence of the “Silver Economy”?’ presented by Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, and ‘The Creative Frontier: Can AI Redefine Media Campaigns?’ led by Dr. Suheil Dahdal from the American University of Sharjah.

Other discussions will include ‘New Generation and Content Creation’ by Moataz Al-Demerdash, ‘The Power of Habits as a Driver of Real Sustainability Transformation’ by Wael Ismail and Dr. Yasar Jarrar, and ‘Perception of the Youth on Openness to Cultures’ by Amani Al Matroushi and Ibrahim Alblooshi.

The session ‘The Role of Communication in Strengthening National Industry’ will feature Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Ammar Al Aleeli, and Salama Al Awadhi. Another session, ‘Marketing Incentives to Attract Investors to Sustainability Sectors,’ will be led by Khalifa Musabeh Al Alteneiji, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, and Majid Al Hammadi.

‘Gov Dialogues’ will focus on women and youth shaping the future, with sessions by the Executive Office of Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi on renewing media discourse and attracting young talent.

The Ministry of Community Development will host ‘Meeting Across Generations… Transferring Treasures of Knowledge and Experience’ and ‘Ahmed Al Ghfeli…Invincible Influencer’, showcasing success stories and promoting inclusivity.

Sessions organised by Sheraa will explore innovation in food security and sustainable development, featuring Jasim Al Awadi, Mariam Aljenaibi, and Saeed Ghanem Alsuwaidi. The Sharjah Youth Council will discuss ‘The Latent Ideas of Youth and the Fuel of Scientific Research in Government Communication,’ with Khaled Al Nuaimi, Dr. Fareed Al Amiri, and Dr. Fadi Aloul.

The ‘Digital Government Communication - Between Empowering and Benefiting from the Youth’ session will feature Khaled Al Nuaimi and Asma Hassouni. A panel on ‘Changing the Narrative - Empowering Refugees as a Path to Breaking Stereotypes’ will include UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Maya Ghazal, Rosa Piro, and Latifa Al Qemzi.

IGCF 2024 will also feature sessions by the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government on ‘Future Skills in the Era of AI and Innovative Communication,’ ‘The UAE Government as a Model of Resilient Governance,’ and ‘Setting Guardrails for an AI-Enabled World,’ led by experts from various fields.

WAM