Sharjah Media Centre to Host International Government Communication Forum 2016

Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), the media arm of the Sharjah government, and organisers of the annual International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) today released the official slogan for the 2016 edition. Entitled ‘Towards More Progressive Societies’, the fifth edition of IGCF will take place under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, at the Sharjah Expo Centre from 20-21 March 2016.

The two-day Forum will bring together a number of government experts and media figures, along with more than 2,500 local and regional leaders and experts as well as Mass Communication students from various UAE universities and institutes.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre, said the selection of the slogan for IGCF 2016 is in line with the directives of the Ruler of Sharjah and articulates the recommendations highlighted by IGCF 2015 on the importance of communication between people and governments.

The recommendations of IGCF 2015 focused on the need to promote a culture of communication between officials and the public, and to remove the barriers for creating and nurturing an environment that facilitates easy interchange. Other recommendations included the importance of maintaining open and constructive channels of communication in dealing with the media.

His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi pointed out that the IGCF 2016 agenda will focus on the current relationship between government communication and citizens, given the fact that citizen welfare must top the list of government priorities. Consolidating its credibility as an ideal platform for resources on global government communication, IGCF 2016 will leverage international case studies and real-life examples of best government communication practices for the learning and benefit of the industry.

The Chairman of SMC reaffirmed the Centre’s keenness and commitment, through all its initiatives and projects, most notably the International Government Communication Forum, to contribute to developing an effective government communication system in the country and the wider region. He said SMC is keen to step up the capabilities of communication professionals to unprecedented levels through developing tangible action programmes and applicable plans.

Highlighting the outcomes of the International Government Communication Forum over the past four years, Al Qasimi said the event has significantly contributed to reinforcing government communication methods in the UAE. He stressed that the Centre would continue to play a game changing role in developing the channels of government communication regionally and globally.

The Chairman of SMC pointed out that the 2016 edition of IGCF will factor in the various economic and political shifts sweeping the world, especially the Arab region, and aim to send out the message of the urgent need to change and develop government communication strategies to keep pace with these transitions.

Despite major challenges facing governments and the public that put greater responsibilities on the media, he noted that the role of government communications has also evolved significantly to span topics and service sectors that impact people’s daily lives.

The International Government Communication Forum has today evolved into a global event that convenes decision makers, experts and stakeholders as well as people interested in government communication from across the world.

The Forum offers a transparent platform for participants to raise important issues and discuss communication-specific trends towards developing recommendations that help governments and professionals in government communication to enhance their professional performance. Doing so will eventually lead to improving government performance and achieving superior citizen satisfaction levels.