IGCF 2025 To Explore The Impact Of Government Communication On Quality Of Life

The International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025) will explore how government communication can enhance human well-being. The event, themed "Communication for Quality of Life," is organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB). It will take place on 10–11 September at Expo Centre Sharjah, featuring over 237 international speakers across 51 sessions and more than 110 activities.

One of the key sessions, "Human Stories in Education and Life… Inspiring Communities, Redefining Quality of Life," is organised with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This session will emphasise that quality of life extends beyond economic measures to include narratives that provide meaning and belonging. Katie Merx, Founder and CEO of Merx Communications, and Amaj Rahimi-Midani, Founder and CEO of Poseidon-AI, will discuss how stories can shape education policies.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) will host a session titled "Quality of Life and Government Communication at the Heart of Crises." Osama Heikal from ICESCO will highlight food as a societal stability cornerstone. He will discuss how government communication can manage food crises by building trust in government decisions and ensuring fair resource distribution. Yousif Al Hammadi from the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA) will moderate this session.

Sharjah24 platform's session "Who Shapes Awareness? The Duality of Message and Responsibility" will feature Dr. Mohammad Ayish from the American University of Sharjah; Yousef Al Taweel, CEO of National Network Communications; and Fatima Ibrahim, Editor-in-Chief of Sharjah24 News. They will explore whether shaping public awareness is solely a government responsibility or if PR agencies are now key partners in influencing behaviour.

The District Affairs Department will host a session on youth content creation titled "How Can Youth Create Content that Promotes Societal Values?" Media Personality Mona Al Raisi and Ahmed Abdullah Al Naqbi will discuss Emirati youth's role in digital transformation. They will focus on using social media tools and AI to produce content reflecting community values while tackling challenges like fake news.

Deraya Speakers' dialogue session "Government Communication: From Message to Impact on Quality of Life" features Sheikh Dr. Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi with Hind Khlaifat. They will discuss transforming communication messages into practical behaviours that encourage healthier lifestyles and environmental protection. The session stresses combining accurate information with emotional inspiration for effective communication.

Sustainable Real Estate Development

The Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department’s session "Sharjah Real Estate… Stories on the Path to Sustainability" examines real estate development as more than economic investment. Panelists will highlight how sustainable projects embody Sharjah’s vision for healthy urban environments that protect ecosystems while fostering community bonds. The discussion links smart urban planning with public health, belonging, and economic efficiency.

IGCF 2025 offers a comprehensive programme with over 110 events including keynote speeches, workshops, and interactive activities supported by local, regional, and international partners. Sessions cover themes like artificial intelligence, food security, sustainability, environment, and quality of life—reinforcing IGCF’s status as a global platform for examining government communication's impact on human well-being.

With inputs from WAM