14th edition of IGCF 2025 begins today in Sharjah

Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) kicks off today (Wednesday) at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the two-day forum will be held under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life,” bringing together 237 speakers from across the globe and featuring more than 110 activities covering five key priorities: food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy.

A comprehensive agenda of global perspectives: The programme will feature 51 sessions addressing the future of food security, health, education, and sustainability, alongside seven inspiring talks by global leaders. In addition, 22 workshops will provide participants with opportunities for hands-on learning and exchange with experts. The forum will conclude by announcing the winners of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), which honours excellence and innovation in government communication worldwide.

The 14th edition is supported by 30 partners, including government bodies, international organisations, research centres, and leading technology and media companies. A total of 22 interactive platforms have been created to facilitate discussions and collaboration, enabling participants to exchange ideas and co-create initiatives that enhance quality of life.

IGCF 2025 is organised in collaboration with strategic partners, including United Arab Emirates University, the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Invest bank.

Strategic partnerships for a better future: Commenting on the partnership, Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU University, said: “Our participation in IGCF 2025, through the fourth edition of the University Challenge and a series of specialised discussions, reflects our commitment to advancing knowledge exchange and equipping students with government communication skills that address real societal issues. The forum is a strategic platform for shaping innovative ideas on the future of communication and sustainability in an increasingly digital world.”

On his part, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of The Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, said: “We see government communication as a bridge that connects people and decision-makers based on participation and mutual respect. Through our partnership with IGCF, we are presenting sessions that highlight quality of life and the future of humanity, while sharing Sharjah’s experience in promoting wellbeing, prosperity, and sustainability.”

Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: “This year’s forum addresses vital issues that shape daily life, including food security, the green economy, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on these themes, IGCF shows a clear understanding of how communication can drive sustainable development and build informed societies. We look forward to outcomes that will guide governments in shaping effective future strategies.”

Edris Al Rafi, CEO of Invest bank, said: “We are proud to support IGCF’s vision of fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration between institutions and communities. At Invest bank, we believe effective communication is the cornerstone of trust and the key to achieving sustainable growth.”

Focused on five global priorities, IGCF 2025 affirms communication as a vital tool to strengthen trust between governments and societies, with innovation and technology serving as the driving forces for future policies that place quality of life at the core of decision-making worldwide.

An earlier report says The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has shortlisted three innovative student-led projects for the inaugural “Global PR Challenge – Sharjah Edition”, organised for the first time in the emirate as part of the pre-forum programme for the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF).

Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) kicks off today (Wednesday) at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the two-day forum will be held under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life,” bringing together 237 speakers from across the globe and featuring more than 110 activities covering five key priorities: food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy.

A comprehensive agenda of global perspectives: The programme will feature 51 sessions addressing the future of food security, health, education, and sustainability, alongside seven inspiring talks by global leaders. In addition, 22 workshops will provide participants with opportunities for hands-on learning and exchange with experts. The forum will conclude by announcing the winners of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), which honours excellence and innovation in government communication worldwide.

The 14th edition is supported by 30 partners, including government bodies, international organisations, research centres, and leading technology and media companies. A total of 22 interactive platforms have been created to facilitate discussions and collaboration, enabling participants to exchange ideas and co-create initiatives that enhance quality of life.

IGCF 2025 is organised in collaboration with strategic partners, including United Arab Emirates University, the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Invest bank.

Strategic partnerships for a better future: Commenting on the partnership, Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU University, said: “Our participation in IGCF 2025, through the fourth edition of the University Challenge and a series of specialised discussions, reflects our commitment to advancing knowledge exchange and equipping students with government communication skills that address real societal issues. The forum is a strategic platform for shaping innovative ideas on the future of communication and sustainability in an increasingly digital world.”

On his part, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of The Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, said: “We see government communication as a bridge that connects people and decision-makers based on participation and mutual respect. Through our partnership with IGCF, we are presenting sessions that highlight quality of life and the future of humanity, while sharing Sharjah’s experience in promoting wellbeing, prosperity, and sustainability.”

Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: “This year’s forum addresses vital issues that shape daily life, including food security, the green economy, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on these themes, IGCF shows a clear understanding of how communication can drive sustainable development and build informed societies. We look forward to outcomes that will guide governments in shaping effective future strategies.”

Edris Al Rafi, CEO of Invest bank, said: “We are proud to support IGCF’s vision of fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration between institutions and communities. At Invest bank, we believe effective communication is the cornerstone of trust and the key to achieving sustainable growth.”

Focused on five global priorities, IGCF 2025 affirms communication as a vital tool to strengthen trust between governments and societies, with innovation and technology serving as the driving forces for future policies that place quality of life at the core of decision-making worldwide.

An earlier report says The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) has shortlisted three innovative student-led projects for the inaugural “Global PR Challenge – Sharjah Edition”, organised for the first time in the emirate as part of the pre-forum programme for the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF).