Forum Speakers: IGCF 2019 is a Platform to Transform Ideas and Knowledge into Action Beneficial to Societies

The eighth edition of International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), will kick-off tomorrow (Wednesday) at Sharjah Expo Centre, with the participation of international communication experts, and prominent media figures to discuss a series of topics relating to the forum’s theme ‘Behavioural Change Towards Human Development’. Participants and speakers will discuss the impact of IGCF and its role in shaping social development policies, and behavioral change of individuals. They commented:

1. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), underscored that the government communication sector in the UAE, particularly in Sharjah, has been successful because of an official discourse that highlights the benefits of government communication in fostering the relationship between citizens and government entities, in addition to educating the community on the role of each individual in supporting the development process.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: “Government communication in the UAE and Sharjah sees a remarkable development with its positive and direct impact on UAE’s overall policies. It has succeeded in engaging all community members in the development process, and consolidated the pillars of this ongoing partnership to have sustainable positive results.”

Chairman of SMC remarked: “A nation’s civilisation is measured by the practices and education of its people, in addition to their role in achieving the general objectives of their government. Therefore, this year’s edition of the Forum will be discussing an instrumental topic: the role of individuals and entities in nurturing the factors of advancement and development and ways in which government communication can contribute to changing behaviour and making it more positive. To this end, the IGCF brings together a host of renowned individuals and entities from around the world. It aims to offer its audience a knowledge-based approach that enables them to make the most of its outputs and recommendations, aimed at the development of communication campaigns capable of driving positive change in the practices of all community members.”

 2.Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a lecturer and researcher on social, political and cultural affairs in the GCC 

"One of the greatest challenges we have today, in this era of information is the rise of fake news and spread of rumours online. This is especially true for the 24-hour media networks as well as social media platforms. We will be exploring with the veteran journalist Larry King the risks that these new developments pose on the media industry and the possible ways to reduce it if not completely stamp out this phenomenon."

3.Rene Carayol, Global Speaker on Inspirational Leadership and Culture, UK

“At the International Government Communication Forum, we will highlight and discuss why everyone has a major part to play in every teams’ success, as nothing is best done alone anymore – Collaboration is the New Leadership. As we all strive to meet increasingly demanding targets, we do this best when we are all committed to each other’s success. Sports teams have mastered this, and now it’s time for all who work with and for government to do the same.” 

“Our panel at the International Government Communication Forum will reflect on when there was a time not that long ago when the people at the top of the organisation could solve every problem and initiate all necessary activities, but our world has become increasingly complex and very fast moving. It is no longer feasible for one person or the top team to deal with everything anymore, it requires everyone to get involved and make a difference. We all have an important part to play in transforming our world for the better.”

4.Dr. David Katz, a clinician, a researcher, an author, an inventor, and a journalist 

"We know a great deal about what it takes to help people be healthy and vital- and since healthy people have more fun- happier, too!  We know a great deal about adding years to lives and life to years but do far too little with that vital information.  Knowledge isn't power unless it is used to fix what's broken and make things better.  Bringing what we know to leaders and change agents is where knowledge and power come together.  IGCF is a rare, exciting opportunity, filled with the promise of turning what we know into the good we do."

5.Dr. Adiy Tweissi, Assistant Professor and Director of E-Learning Centre, Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Jordan 

"It's amazing to see how far technology has advanced and what it will become in the near future. Technological advancements are helping us to become better at everything we do, but these advancements come at a cost. In other words, and to be specific, intelligent systems can be wonderful or horrible - regardless of the situation we should always consider maintaining the human factor in everything we build. This is why we have this important platform; the International Government Communication Forum, to be able to answer all these questions and much more.”

6.Meik Wiking, CEO, the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark 

"How can we measure the good life, why are some people happier than others and how do we improve quality of life? These are the core questions that I try to solve at the Happiness Research Institute and which I will be discussing at the 8th edition of IGCF in Sharjah. In addition, because of the focus of the forum, I will also look at how we can communicate the findings to a wider public and turn citizens into change makers."  

7.Mark Prensky , an Author, Consultant, and Innovator in the field of education-Founder of a non-for-profit organisation “Global Education for Future”, USA 

“As the long era of non-technology-networked-and-enhanced humans draws to an end, the great challenge facing coming generations is to successfully become symbiotic with our increasingly powerful machines to form new hybrids that can deal positively and effectively with the world's increasingly complex problems. The meaning of "being educated" changes in this new context, past individual learning, knowledge and thinking to world-impacting local and global accomplishment by hybrid teams.  Many of our kids are already self-starting down this "hybrid-accomplishment" path—it's time to create a new kind of education that encourages and supports them.”

8.Michelle Gielan, an Expert and a Researcher in Positive Psychology, the Author of the best-selling book “ Broadcasting Happiness”, USA 

“The media has limitless potential to bring out the best in society through its work. As a positive psychology researcher and former journalist, I've seen the impact solution-focused journalism can have on spreading ideas and igniting positive change. I am grateful to the Sharjah Government Media Bureau for the opportunity to share the research at IGCF 2019 on science-backed ways journalists and business leaders can tell more effective stories. My hope is that the people of Sharjah will see the ways in which they are already living this research and uncover new ideas on how to apply it even further to bring out the highest levels of well-being for all.”

9.Richard Williams (Prince Ea), , a Motivational Speaker, a Filmmaker and a Social Activist 

“I’m very excited to showcase my latest spoken word piece and perform at the IGCF event. 

For many years I have believed that only by individual behavior change will a better world be produced. I hope that everyone attending the forum will receive practical and actionable steps towards implementing positive behavior change at the micro and macro level.”

10.Andrew Keen, an author and an acclaimed keynote speaker specialised in the impact of new technology on 21^st century business, education, culture and society, UK 

“I’m honored to be invited to speak at the IGCF this year. Its theme of personal empowerment is incredibly important. 21st century governments do, indeed, need to figure out how to empower their citizens to change themselves. So, I am thrilled to be participating in panel exploring the way in which governments can help individuals change. My particular expertise is in digital technology, so I will be talking about the ways in which the internet can help governments foster personal empowerment. And I’m looking forward to a far-ranging discussion on these issues.”

11.Sir Craig Oliver, Director of Politics and Communications for the former Prime Minister David Cameron, UK 

 “We live in an age where the next journalistic deadline is the time it takes someone to type a Tweet. Coping with the sheer pace of a world where news comes at you faster than you can think is a challenge for Governments around the world. I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences and the strategies I developed to cope and to ensure our strong and positive message was heard.It'll also be good to learn from how others have dealt with the impact of the digital revolution on Government communications.”

12.Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director, Brand & Strategic Initiatives, Masdar, UAE 

“The International Government Communication Forum has emerged as a distinguished platform for discussing and debating the strategies shaping the communications industry. I look forward to taking part in this year’s event, and to hearing the many different perspectives on the techniques and best practices, particularly on the increasingly important role of behavioural science in effective communications.”

13.Suzanne Afanah, Founder and Managing Partner at Advvise, Media and Communication Expert and Award-Winning Journalist

“The media has always been a podium to rally efforts that support sustainable development, specifically in the area of education reforms as a lifelong process that keeps abreast with the spirit of the times, compatible with the rapidly changing requirements and continuous adaptation. 

The IGCF rings alarming bells that the region’s governments, civil society, international organisations and media education systems and job markets are changing rapidly, where thousands of jobs will disappear, over the next decade and new ones will emerge.

In this regard, we would like to point out through this vital forum, the historical moment experienced by the entire region. Hence, the media has to comprehend signals from the advanced countries for the inevitable change and bring together all relevant parties to discuss how to be better prepared for the next era. The media must play a crucial role in highlighting the need to change our learning patterns and learn the new skills needed for today’s, fast changing labour market, driven by artificial intelligence, virtual reality and the internet of things.

From developed countries to Asia and Africa, we showcase experiences in which the media has succeeded in contributing to bringing about effective positive change, in education systems, over the past years. We need to draw lessons to determine the media’s role in mobilising efforts to develop our educational programmes in a manner that reflects technological advancements.

I hope we succeed in inviting the media to draw attention to the need for this change, and building effective programmes that will keep up with this evolution and the Zeitgeist, particularly, given that the Middle East and North Africa need to create 60 million new jobs over the next 10 years in order to meet the increasing numbers of new graduates, seeking jobs.

earing this in mind, that 47% of jobs will no longer exist according to a study by the Oxford University, imagine, the enormous effort that media can make to lead a big change that we must bring about in education and labour market reforms, to community acceptance and push active parties to embrace for our future”.

14.Rabee Zreiqat, Founder of the “ Zikra” Initiative, Global Award Winner, Jordan.

“It gives me great honour to participate in the forum, which allows me to discuss from a different perspective on how to find solutions to the zeitgeist and future challenges stemming from within the society. We can do that by inspiring solutions from knowledgeable local people attached with life, who have been living a sustainable, productive life for long decades, within strong social frameworks and with strong relations with the land on which they live and with their surrounding natural resources. Such solutions ensure an active society who are a key partner in government development programmes and initiatives”.

  15.Roger Fisk, Head of the political campaign, marketing and media strategist for   President Barack Obama, USA

I very much look forward to my participation in this important conference. UAE is such a dynamic place, really at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, and I hope to share a fraction of insight compared to the many things I hope to learn.

16.Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority

“The International Government Communication Forum has become a much-awaited event for all professionals in government communication in particular, and media in general. IGCF offers them an opportunity to meet and network with experts and specialists in communication strategies and learn more about international experiences that led countries to succeed. This is because the forum is keen to host veteran experts in government communication, who were the brilliant minds that contributed to changing the political, economic and cultural landscape in great nations likes the US, UK, France and others”.

He added: “The Sharjah Broadcasting Authority engages its staff and teams in the IGCF events to benefit from interactive sessions and panel discussions while providing full coverage of its programmes and interviewing its guests. We are not just the forum’s media strategic sponsors and partners, but its partners in the development project and play a  pivotal role in harnessing communication to advance the potential of all society members, invest in their capabilities and change their behaviours for the better, towards a more positive and constructive attitude.”

17. HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director, Sharjah Government Media Bureau

“By hosting the eighth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), which is held under the theme ‘Behavioural Change Towards Human Development', Sharjah confirms the integration of its cultural project, laid by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, four decades ago. This project is based on enriching human intellect as a key to development, in all its manifestations”.

He added: “With the rapid technological revolution in this era of human history and the massive information flow and diversity of news sources, government communication has become one the most important tools on which governments depend in driving forward their economic, social and cultural development. Without clear government communication plans and strategies, state institutions will lose their effective communication with the public, which may result in structural imbalances, and neglect many accomplishments that deserve to be highlighted. Hence, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau is keen to organise this Forum, which brings together a plethora of communication professionals and experts from across the world” "

 18. Jawaher Al Naqbi Director of International Government Communication Centre

 “Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah is hosting tomorrow IGCF 2019. This edition will see the participation of 70 global communication experts and practitioners, who will engage in 37 inspiring sessions and panel discussions, as well as workshops to highlight the latest and best international practices in government communication.”

She added: “This year’s Forum features a series of activities, initiatives, panel discussions and inspiring talks, through which we seek to achieve our objective of developing mechanisms to analyse human behaviour and embrace the latest outreach and behavioural change strategies. We also aim to inspire our partners in the educational process to build the culture of future skills, change mindsets and foster positive and sustainable approaches to happiness, in line with the IGCF’s theme, ‘Behavioural Change Towards Human Development'.