The 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025) opened in Sharjah under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, bringing together 237 speakers from around the world across more than 110 sessions. Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau at Expo Centre Sharjah, the three-day event is themed “Communication for Quality of Life” and addresses priorities including food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy.
The forum features keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive platforms designed to shape policies that enhance the quality of life. Among the opening sessions, experts in Sharjah called for stronger support for children with learning difficulties, while a Sharjah-Finland dialogue discussed food and security challenges, stressing cooperation on climate change and resource scarcity. Other panels debated the responsible use of artificial intelligence in journalism and government communication.
Katie Merx, Public Diplomacy Strategist, stressed the role of storytelling in public messaging. She said effective government communication relies on “stories that connect us and show how challenges are met,” adding that people often engage more with narratives than with statistics. She also underlined the importance of planning in crisis communication, noting that “reacting quickly and truthfully, even with limited details, builds trust.”
Humanitarian concerns also featured prominently. Khaled Kabbara, spokesperson for UNHCR in the Gulf Cooperation Council, outlined the challenges facing internally displaced people, saying they often flee overnight to ensure the safety of their loved ones without crossing borders.
Kabbara warned of severe funding shortages, noting that UNHCR’s annual budget requirement is $10 billion but only 23 per cent was met by mid-year. “We can currently support less than a quarter of those in need,” he said, urging greater international assistance and durable solutions.
IGCF 2025 also spotlighted youth engagement through projects such as the University Challenge, while 22 interactive platforms promoted solutions in health, education, and sustainability. Partners included the UAE University, international organisations, and media platforms.
The event concludes on September 11th with the Sharjah Government Communication Award, recognising excellence and innovation. Throughout, participants emphasised that strategic communication is vital to building trust, advancing cooperation, and driving policy solutions for global challenges.
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