IGCF 2024 To Tackle Information Wars And Boost Global Talent Competitiveness

The 13th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024), organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), will be held on 4-5 September. The theme for this year is "Agile Governments... Innovative Communication." The forum aims to reshape how governments and societies tackle the complexities of the modern era.

A notable panel discussion titled "Global Competitiveness for Talents: The Key to Success in the 21st Century" will take place on the first day. This session, in collaboration with Forbes Middle East, will feature Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Simon Robert Kofe, Minister for Transport, Energy, Communications, and Innovation of Tuvalu; and Rachid Yazmi, a Moroccan engineer and inventor. They will discuss how governments can enhance their appeal as talent hubs.

Another significant panel on the first day is ‘The Information Wars and the Perils of Communication Globalisation,’ held in partnership with "Du." This session will include Dr. Jamal Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Director-General of the National Media Office; Adnan Al Rais from Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC); Professor Hamid M. Al Naimiy of the University of Sharjah; and Helen Mc Elhinney from CDAC Network, UK. They will explore how governments can adapt to global communication changes and combat misinformation spread via social media.

On the second day, a session titled ‘Why Resilient Governments are Building Protective Shields with Artificial Intelligence’ will be conducted in collaboration with SkyNews Arabia. Speakers include Hector Monsegur, Founder of a cybersecurity startup; Dr. Nader Ghazal from MIT; Alan Smithson, Co-Founder of MetaVRse; and Dr. Inhyok Cha from Gwangju Institute for Science and Technology. They will delve into deepfake technology challenges, necessary AI regulations, educational initiatives against malicious AI uses, and technical measures developers should adopt.

The forum's discussions aim to provide insights into building resilient government strategies that can effectively shape public opinion amid technological advancements like AI and deepfakes.

With inputs from WAM