Sharjah: The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) announced on Sunday the agenda of the 6th International Government Communication Forum, IGCF 2017, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, from next Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah.
“The 2017 edition of the forum focuses on the role of government communication as a vital tool in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Efficient and modern government communication engages all social segments and stakeholders in a partnership with the government to support its endeavours in building a sustainable world by 2030,” Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council and Head of the Forum’s Higher Organising Committee, said.
He added, “Over the years, the topics discussed at the forum have increasingly reflected the leading role of the emirate of Sharjah and the wider UAE in raising the level of government communication to support governmental efforts across various development sectors and provide a brighter future for coming generations. This makes us confident that this year’s forum will significantly contribute to advancing the UN’s crucial work in positively transforming the lives of the world’s communities.”
Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad reiterated that the core mission of government communication is to ensure that people adopt the values and principles that humanity has developed over time as part of its priority to advance and thrive. He stressed the importance of these values in building human relations and enabling people to better understand one another with the objective of ensuring peaceful resolution for all disputes.
Under the theme of ‘Societal Participation — Comprehensive Development’, the IGCF 2017 will host high-ranking officials from 16 countries including the UAE and comprise five keynote speeches, seven panel discussions, six individual conversation panels, five workshops and three interactive sessions. The forum is likely to be attended by more than 2,500 guests.
Prominent special invitees this year include a former president and vice-president, two heads of governments, five ministers, two Nobel Peace Prize winners, as well as representatives of international institutions and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors.
Hailing the Sharjah Government Media Bureau initiative, Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, said, “The forum places great emphasis on developing best practices within the UAE government and at a regional level. It serves as an ideal platform to share thoughts and views on the growing role of communication and media, and their impact on highlighting governments’ efforts, enhancing policies and improving governmental capabilities to strategise for growth.”
He added, “What gives the forum even greater value is that it is endorsed by Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, affirming our leadership’s belief in the vital role of communication in supporting government goals.”
