The forum, held on September 28 and 29 at the Expo Centre Sharjah, will witness the holding of 7 main sessions, 10 inspirational speeches, 6 proactive events, 6 workshops, 13 interactive platforms, and 40 accompanying events, with the participation of 160 Arab and foreign speakers from decision-makers, officials and experts, will share their visions on the importance of effective government communication in the face of local and global changes, and economic crises, in light of the development of communication tools, and their reflection on social relations.

The slogan of this year's forum "Challenges and solutions" emphasises the role of government communication in informing specialists and the public about challenges, and using appropriate communication methods which motivate the public to contribute to creating appropriate solutions and practices aiming to overcome challenges and obstacles.

Tariq Saeed Alai, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Office, said: "Governments play a key role in dealing with challenges, changing circumstances and crisis management, but effective and mutual communication between the government and the public remains the main focus in enhancing the efficiency of responding to challenges." Alai added: “For a decade, the International Forum for Government Communication, hosted by the Emirate of Sharjah, re-introduced the government communication scene, through a wide range of recommendations and ideas which were characterised by a forward-looking view.

Today the Forum continues to achieve its objectives in its 11th session, to crystallize more visions for the future of the sector.” Regarding the accompanying events, 40 events will be organised during the forum, presenting various topics and issues in a number of the most prominent themes on the regional and international arenas, during the two days of the forum, in 13 different halls.

Prior to the official launch of the forum, a series of proactive events and workshops will be launched, most notably the "Comms" programme, which will presented from September 19 to 22, a series of training workshops for youth and university students. The proactive events also include a group of workshops and special sessions which deal with various topics, such as “Communication Crisis Management”, “Future Challenges Lab”, “University Challenge”, “Project Management Skills in the Light of Government Communication”, and the session of “Art of Persuasion in emergency”.

The forum is held in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Radio and Television Authority, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Nama Foundation for the Advancement of Women, Big Heart Foundation, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Expo Centre, Sharjah Asset Management, Sharjah Press Club, Sharjah Government Communication Department, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre "Sheraa", House of Wisdom, Sky News Arabia Channel, New Media Academy, Emirates News Agency(WAM), Dubai Media Incorporated, Rubu' Qarn Corporation, Government 01, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MiT), Arab Administrative Development Organisation Affiliated to the League of Arab States, Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Foresight, Emirates University, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It can be registered to participate in the event through the forum’s official website via the link https:www.igcc.ae/ar/home.aspx