Sharjah Announces Agenda of International Government...

The Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) today revealed the agenda of the Sixth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) to be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Themed Societal Participation Comprehensive Development', the Forum will take place from 22 to 23 March at Expo Centre Sharjah.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council and Head of the Forum's Higher Organising Committee, said: The 2017 edition of the Forum focuses on the role of government communication as a vital tool in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Efficient and modern government communication engages all social segments and stakeholders in a partnership with the government to support its endeavours in building a sustainable world by 2030.

He added: Over the years, the topics discussed at the Forum have increasingly reflected the leading role of the Emirate of Sharjah and the wider UAE in raising the level of government communication to support governmental efforts across various development sectors and provide a brighter future for coming generations. This makes us confident that this year's Forum will significantly contribute to advancing the UN's crucial work in positively transforming the lives of the world's communities.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi reiterated that the core mission of government communication is to ensure people adopt the values and principles that humanity has developed over time as part of its priority to advance and thrive. He stressed the importance of these values in building human relations and enabling people to better understand one another with the objective of ensuring peaceful resolution to all disputes.

The Chairman of Sharjah Media Council noted that IGCF 2017 will host high-ranking officials from 16 countries including the UAE and comprise five keynote speeches, seven panel discussions, six individual conversation panels, five workshops and three interactive sessions. The Forum is likely to be attended by more than 2,500 guests.

On day one of the Forum, a special ceremony will honour the winners of the fourth Sharjah Government Communication Award (GCA 2017). Prominent special invitees this year include a former president and vice president, two heads of governments, five ministers, two Nobel Peace Prize winners, as well as representatives of international institutions and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors.

Leadership and Communication

Hailing the Sharjah Government Media Bureau initiative, HE Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, said: The International Government Communication Forum places great emphasis on developing best practices within the UAE government and at a regional level. It serves as an ideal platform to share thoughts and views on the growing role of communication and media, and their impact on highlighting governments' efforts, enhancing policies and improving governmental capabilities to strategise for growth.

The minister added: What gives the Forum even greater value is that it is endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, affirming our leadership's belief in the vital role of communication in supporting government goals.

HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: In the UAE, government communication plays a significant part in raising awareness about sustainability and ensuring it becomes a shared responsibility among the government, private sector entities and society at large. With climate change becoming the most pressing challenge in the world today, government communication must emphasise its impact on the future of humanity without spreading fear.

Happy Society

HE Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, UAE Minister of State for Happiness, underlined the importance of the media in instilling happiness and positive values in society. She noted that government communication has an equal role in endorsing these values by raising social awareness, and promoting happiness and positivity as a focus of government work and a way of life.

She added that the UAE leadership is keen to build a positive social environment, where happiness can grow and be measured. The International Government Communication Forum reflects this governmental priority and supports national efforts to achieve happiness and instil positive values as a cornerstone of the national ethos.

She said: In the UAE, we believe that the happiness of our society is the utmost goal and the ultimate result of the efforts of our government. We aim to make our sustainable development a model for other countries to follow.

Day one of the Forum will kick off with the first panel discussion titled Communication for Development (C4D) and Community Partnership'. Panellists will include HE Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), HE Najla bint Mohammad Al Awar, UAE Minister of Community Development, Kailash Satyarthi, acclaimed children's rights activist and joint winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize, and Najla Al Midfa, General Manager of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). The session will be moderated by Dr Sultan Al-Nuaimi, academic and researcher in the field of political affairs.

Following the first session, the official inauguration ceremony will be presented by Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Director of Sharjah Radio. HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi will deliver the opening speech, followed by the official keynote address by the patron of the Forum, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi.

Next, a conversation panel titled Climate Change Are There Real Solut

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