Sharjah's DGR Facilitates Global Dialogue On Strategic Communication For Quality Of Life

Sharjah's Department of Government Relations (DGR) hosted a significant diplomatic discussion during the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025). Led by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the event focused on transforming the forum's theme, "Communication for Quality of Life," into practical strategies. The discussions aimed to enhance diplomatic and community-driven initiatives.

The day's events began with a panel titled, "Are We Aligned on the Meaning of Quality of Life? Lessons from the World." Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi and Alison Milton, Ireland's Ambassador to the UAE, explored this universal yet culturally specific concept. They discussed how living standards have improved over generations in the UAE due to past leadership efforts.

Sheikh Fahim emphasised that policies in the UAE must be flexible and inclusive due to its diverse population. He stated, "With such a diverse population, policy in the UAE; and by extension, in Sharjah; must be both flexible and inclusive." He highlighted community engagement and accessible services as key components for achieving this goal.

Ambassador Milton encouraged reflection on what quality of life means. She said, "It’s good to pause and think about what quality of life means and how fortunate we are," stressing the importance of considering those less privileged. She identified human dignity as central to quality of life, encompassing personal freedoms, food security, safety, and community belonging.

The DGR Pavilion hosted another panel titled "Building Solution Communities," featuring Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi and Jorge Archila, Guatemala's Ambassador to the UAE. This dialogue focused on trust and inclusive dialogue as essential for effective governance. Sheikh Fahim stated that listening is crucial for authority figures.

He urged private sector involvement in cultural initiatives as "good corporate citizens" and advocated for constructive civic engagement through official channels rather than social media. He believed that collaboration can solve any issue, saying, "Everything is fixable," when people work together.

Ambassador Archila highlighted shared values between Guatemala and the UAE, noting both are family-oriented societies with rich cultures. He stressed that building communities starts with trust and involves every voice in co-designing solutions. Success requires connecting societal sectors to turn ideas into impactful actions.

The discussions at IGCF 2025 underscored Sharjah's role in global governance dialogue. By focusing on communication for quality of life, these panels highlighted how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful improvements in society.

With inputs from WAM