14th IGCF to commence on September 10 in Sharjah

The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) will host the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) on 10-11 September at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life.”

This annual event serves as a global intellectual platform to discuss the future of government communication and highlight its critical roles in addressing global challenges. It will bring together distinguished leaders, experts, and officials from around the world.

The upcoming edition will focus on five main pillars, exploring food security, education, public health, environmental transformation, and the green economy as essential foundations for enhancing quality of life.

Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the SGMB, emphasised the forum’s commitment to selecting topics based on a comprehensive developmental vision that places people at the centre of communication policies. He noted that “quality of life is a collective responsibility that demands smart, effective communication tools to raise awareness and support decision-making.”

He added that the forum, which has become one of the most important international platforms for discussing communication issues, seeks in its latest edition to exchange ideas and proposals that lead to practical programmes that direct collective action toward inclusive and equitable development goals. This aligns with Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to embed quality of life within its government communication initiatives as the main driver of achievement and success.

Allay also pointed out that the forum continues, in its 14th edition, to attract leading thinkers, researchers, and practitioners from various parts of the world. He highlighted that the diversity of expertise, specialisations, and perspectives creates a rich dialogue and gives the forum both its human and professional dimensions.

The upcoming edition will explore the role of government communication in driving positive change by enhancing awareness of sustainable food practices, encouraging innovation in agriculture, and supporting communities in confronting environmental and social crises. It will also examine the impact of education as a long-term communication tool that builds generations capable of understanding and adapting to change, equipping them with skills to develop realistic solutions to the challenges impacting their food security, health, and environment.

IGCF 2025 will highlight how media and government messages shape individual behaviours, motivating people and institutions to adopt more conscious and responsible lifestyles. It will also discuss opportunities within the green economy to create new jobs and promote environmental justice, alongside the role of communication in building partnerships that strengthen trust between governments and societies.

The 13th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024) hosted an important initiative on its opening day aimed at shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Resulting from a strategic partnership between the UK-based Strawberry Fields, a leader in analytical tools and growth strategies, and the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the full-day training programme titled ‘New Generation Skills for Kids: Integrating System Thinking & Technology’ was designed to equip children with essential communication and technological skills, preparing them to navigate an increasingly complex digital world.

The programme included interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on activities, allowing the participants to express their ideas creatively through storytelling and collaboration. The workshop focused on children and adolescents aged 8 to 15, offering intensive workshops to help them navigate the rapid advancements in technology and communication. Led by John Rainford, business coach, future technologist, and CEO of Strawberry Fields, the course introduced concepts such as integrating logical thinking with technology, using mind-mapping techniques, and enhancing critical and creative thinking skills.

"We are discussing the future of technology within systems – whether it’s a school system, a planetary system, or an ecological system. Understanding these systems is crucial to finding effective solutions to problems,” said Rainford. "Our mission is to foster better communication and equip children with the tools to use technology in meaningful ways.”

Rainford emphasised the importance of integrating systems thinking into education from an early age, believing it would improve problem-solving abilities, revolutionise education, and positively impact children's health and well-being. "Children need to understand their own wellbeing and health to become more ecologically and environmentally conscious. This holistic approach is what we envision for the future generation,” he added.