IGCF 2024 To Spotlight Global Best Practices In Government Communication

The 13th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024) will spotlight global communication practices and trends, showcasing case studies from Jordan, Nigeria, and Tuvalu. These nations are contenders for the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the forum will take place on 4th-5th September at Expo Centre Sharjah. It will feature 28 panel discussions and speeches under ‘Gov Talks’ and ‘Gov Dialogues,’ focusing on innovations in communication.

Key participants include the Ministry of Community Development, Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, Sharjah Youth Council, and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa). Their focus areas are sustainability, youth engagement, and innovation.

Jordan’s ‘For a Drop of Water’ campaign is nominated for the 'Best Innovative and Resilient Communication Initiatives' category. Launched by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the General Water Authority in 2024, it aims to promote efficient water use.

Nigeria’s ‘Citifeed App: Eyes and Ears on Government Performance’ is nominated for the 'Best Innovation in Government Communication' award. This app engages the public in monitoring infrastructure projects and assessing government performance.

Tuvalu’s ‘World’s First Digital Nation’ project is also nominated in the same category. This initiative aims to secure Tuvalu's identity and rights by transitioning to a digital nation.

The forum will feature speeches by nominees for the ‘Best Communication Practices for Dealing with Developmental Changes’ category. These include ‘Mega Green Accelerators’ by PepsiCo, ‘Sustainability at the Heart of Al-Futtaim's Strategy’ by Al-Futtaim Group, and initiatives by Emirates Nature-WWF (World Wildlife Fund).

Exploring Future Communication Trends

‘Gov Talks’ will cover various topics such as ‘How Ageing Becomes the Essence of the "Silver Economy"?’ presented by Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid from Dubai's Community Development Authority. Dr. Suheil Dahdal from American University of Sharjah will lead a session on AI's role in media campaigns.

Other discussions include ‘New Generation and Content Creation’ by Moataz Al-Demerdash, ‘The Power of Habits as a Driver of Real Sustainability Transformation’ by Wael Ismail and Dr. Yasar Jarrar, and youth perspectives on cultural openness by Amani Al Matroushi and Ibrahim Alblooshi.

Sessions Focused on Industry and Investment

A session titled ‘The Role of Communication in Strengthening National Industry’ will feature Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Ammar Al Aleeli, and Salama Al Awadhi. Another session on attracting investors to sustainability sectors will be led by Khalifa Musabeh Al Alteneiji, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, and Majid Al Hammadi.

‘Gov Dialogues’ will emphasise women’s roles and youth shaping future communication. Sessions hosted by Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi’s Executive Office will discuss renewing media discourse to attract young talent.

Promoting Inclusivity Through Communication

The Ministry of Community Development will host sessions like ‘Meeting Across Generations… Transferring Treasures of Knowledge and Experience’ to showcase success stories promoting inclusivity. Another session titled ‘Ahmed Al Ghfeli…Invincible Influencer’ will highlight influential figures.

Sheraa-organised sessions will delve into innovation in food security and sustainable development with speakers like Jasim Al Awadi, Mariam Aljenaibi, and Saeed Ghanem Alsuwaidi. The Sharjah Youth Council will discuss youth ideas fueling scientific research in government communication with Khaled Al Nuaimi, Dr. Fareed Al Amiri, and Dr. Fadi Aloul.

Youth Empowerment Through Digital Platforms

The session ‘Digital Government Communication - Between Empowering and Benefiting from the Youth’ will feature Khaled Al Nuaimi and Asma Hassouni. A panel titled ‘Changing the Narrative - Empowering Refugees as a Path to Breaking Stereotypes’ includes UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Maya Ghazal alongside Rosa Piro and Latifa Al Qemzi.

The IGCF 2024 will also present sessions led by experts from Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government on topics like future skills in AI era communication, resilient governance models in UAE government, and setting guidelines for an AI-enabled world.

With inputs from WAM