Today's Edition
SARA AlZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025) commenced at the Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life.”
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the two-day event brings together 237 speakers across more than 110 activities, including 51 sessions, seven global talks, and 22 workshops, covering priority sectors such as food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy.
The forum, also featuring 22 interactive platforms for collaboration, supported by 30 partners, will conclude with the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA).
Speaking to Aletihad, Alyazyah Al Ghufli, Head of Multimedia at the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, said the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum stands out for its focus on pressing global issues.
She noted that the forum adopts “a more comprehensive approach that brings together governments, the private sector, media institutions, and academics.”
Al Ghufli stressed that this year’s edition also “embraces new tools such as artificial intelligence and digital technologies in order to expand the impact of discussions and deliver speakers’ messages to a wider audience.”
She also highlighted the growing level of international participation, noting that the forum has become “a main platform for decision-makers and experts from across continents.”
Al Ghufli said the event has seen the launch of initiatives that enhance youth participation and support government entities in developing more transparent and interactive communication policies, including “initiatives that harness artificial intelligence to promote transparency, as well as an interactive platform that enables individuals to contribute to shaping public policy.”
She stressed that the success of the forum relies on a wide network of local partnerships with government institutions in the UAE and with academic and media entities, along with international cooperation with UN organisations, media federations, and global universities.
Elaborating on the Sharjah Government Communication Award, Al Ghufli described it as “one of the core pillars of the forum, honouring best practices and innovative projects in government communication at both local and global levels.”
“The award serves as an incentive to develop the communication system and encourages institutions and individuals to innovate and adopt strategies that are more impactful and effective in serving their communities.”
