IGCF 2025 Highlights Importance Of Communication For Quality Of Life Amid Global Challenges
H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, opened the second day of the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025). Held on 10–11 September at Expo Centre Sharjah, the event focuses on "Communication for Quality of Life" and features over 237 speakers from around the world.
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), highlighted that many global issues like food insecurity and environmental damage arise from poor communication rather than resource scarcity. He stated, "According to the UN, 600 million people may face hunger by 2030. At the same time, more than one billion tonnes of food is wasted every year — about a third of global production."
Allay emphasised that both UAE’s and Sharjah’s development paths demonstrate how effective communication can transform crises into opportunities. He noted that clear dialogue between communities and governments leads to more equitable and sustainable societies.
Professor Oussama Khatib from Stanford’s Robotics Lab showcased OceanOne, a humanoid robot with advanced haptic systems allowing it to "feel" underwater. He explained that robotics now enables remote operations in hazardous environments without physical presence, enhancing fields like underwater archaeology and space exploration.
Young entrepreneur Hillary Yip shared her experience founding MinorMynas, a global learning platform for children. She stressed that technology alone doesn't change lives; human connections do. Yip cautioned against over-reliance on generative AI, advocating for education that includes culture and humanities alongside tech skills.
Dr Karan Rajan discussed social media's impact on public health. He pointed out that while online platforms can reach vast audiences quickly, nearly 80% of health content online is created by non-experts. This often leads to misinformation driven by fear or commercial interests.
Innovation and Communication
The forum's speakers collectively illustrated how communication combined with innovation can either bridge gaps or widen them. Whether in educational settings or medical fields, effective communication remains crucial for progress.
IGCF 2025 includes over 110 events such as sessions, talks, and workshops in collaboration with various organisations across interactive platforms. The programme tackles five key priorities: food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and green economy.
The forum continues to highlight communication’s strategic importance in shaping policies and inspiring action towards a more connected future.
With inputs from WAM
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