Sharjah To Host The 14th International Government Communication Forum In September

The International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) will hold its 14th edition in Sharjah on September 10–11, 2025. The event, themed "Communication for Quality of Life," will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah. It aims to highlight the role of communication in tackling future societal challenges through over 22 interactive platforms.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), this global event will focus on how communication can impact five critical areas: food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy. These sectors are vital for improving human well-being.

This year's forum will emphasise food security as a crucial element of social and economic stability. Discussions will centre on how government communication can promote awareness about sustainable food systems and smart agricultural practices. According to UN reports, more than 670 million people could face undernourishment by 2030, with 258 million already experiencing severe food insecurity.

The IGCF 2025 will also explore how communication can transform health crises into opportunities for building informed and resilient societies. Targeted campaigns can address food insecurity's effects while bridging socio-economic gaps. The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that malnutrition contributes to 45% of deaths among children under five.

Education will be highlighted as a long-term enabler of generational empowerment at the forum. It will showcase curriculum models aligned with future-focused skills like sustainable agriculture and emerging technologies. This approach aims to equip young people with solutions to climate and food security challenges.

In parallel, IGCF 2025 will examine government communication's influence on urban behaviour and lifestyle patterns in future cities. Public campaigns aim to inspire reduced waste, responsible consumption, and sustainable living habits. Data shows that globally, 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted annually, about 31% of total production.

Government Storytelling

The forum will delve into the power of government storytelling as a tool for shaping public consciousness. By using relatable messaging, governments can build trust and engage communities effectively. Whether addressing issues like food waste or climate change, storytelling becomes a persuasive tool that motivates societal behavioural change.

Green Economy Initiatives

IGCF 2025 will also examine how green economy initiatives can support food sustainability and enhance quality of life. Discussions will focus on public policies and private-sector partnerships adopting low-emission agricultural technologies. Such initiatives could potentially reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2050.

UN studies indicate that every dollar invested in sustainable agriculture yields a return of 2.5 times in economic and social value. Additionally, the green economy is expected to generate over 24 million jobs worldwide by 2030.

Alia Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, stated that this year's forum continues to reinforce communication as a vital tool in designing forward-thinking strategies and achieving lasting societal impact. "Communication is a development driver and a key element in shaping quality of life," she said.

Since its inception in 2012, IGCF has become a regional and global thought leadership platform uniting policymakers, experts, and innovators in multidisciplinary dialogue rooted in knowledge and practice.

With inputs from WAM