Agenda - 2023

Focusses:

• Focusing on key media tools when conducting coverage of climate-related issues.
• Referencing the most effective global media models and practices in covering climate-related issues.
• Highlighting global models in climate change coverage, including specialised entities and influential figures.

Focusses:

• The importance of specialised media in spotlighting sustainability-related issues.
• The importance of positioning sustainability-related issues on newscasts and newspaper covers.
• The importance of directing media coverage towards sustainability-related issues across several areas, such as community, economy, health and others.

Focusses:

• Historical narratives in environment-related media coverage: Past and Present: Tools and Practices.
• Media personalities who shaped the field of environmental media coverage.
• Leading media programmes and projects specialised in covering environment-related issues.

Organizer: Sharjah Government Media Bureau in cooperation with the Emirates News Agency (WAM)

The topic of sustainable future occupies the minds of governments due to the challenges humanity faces, such as climate change, environmental degradation, and depletion of natural resources. Despite various sustainable solutions being proposed, they are still under investigation, and definitive results to ensure the sustainability of the future are yet to be achieved.

Experts point out that the trilogy of building a sustainable future includes society, environment, and economy, with a crucial emphasis on innovation and advanced technology to reach feasible solutions that contribute to the well-being of future generations.

Experiences have shown the importance of proper planning, seizing opportunities, and integrating diverse segments of society into future-building strategies, while also engaging youth in sustainability and development processes.

Focusses:

• What is a sustainable future and its foundational principles?
• How do we cultivate a culture of sustainability across generations?
• What are the challenges in sustaining the future and how do we confront them?
• What role do young people play in designing sustainability?
• Is there collaboration between thought leaders and governments to find innovative solutions for sustainability in the future?

Communities worldwide are increasingly afflicted with poverty, hunger and natural resource depletion, particularly food and water. According to a 2021 UN report, over 811 million worldwide people suffer from chronic hunger. Research centres and global studies predict that this number will continue to grow due to growing poverty, desertification and climate change. This reality has significantly widened the global gap in stability, development, food security, education, health, and other vital areas.

How can we change this reality and what is the role of communication in overcoming these global challenges? Why do countries need to invest in building a robust, effective government communication system to change the realities of their societies?

These questions and more are not answered solely by communication specialists and experts based on their readings and personal perspectives. Instead, they derive the answers from real-life models and experiences of many countries worldwide. The fact remains that plans to eradicate hunger and poverty cannot yield results without strong communication capable of uniting multiple stakeholders behind one cause. These crises are the outcome of societal and governmental practices, and all these practices stem from a lack of awareness and sufficient understanding of how every behaviour and practice affects the realities of societies and countries. Here, communication emerges as the "lifeline."

Focusses:

• What is the role of communication in overcoming World Food Programme’s challenges?
• What roles and responsibilities do communication professionals and the media have in ensuring the success of WFP’s plans and strategies?
• What are the repercussions of the global food crisis on the future of humanity, and which communities and groups will be most affected?
• How can we harness science and modern discoveries to help impoverished communities utilise their resources and uplift themselves?
• Has the absence of thoughtful communication been a factor in the failure of many programs aimed at combating hunger and poverty?
• What lesson does Sharjah offer through its experience of desert agriculture, and how has government communication contributed to its success?

In this inspiring speech, we hear the remarkable story of Yollande, a 53-year-old grandmother and visionary from the small village of Ambakivau in Madagascar, who brought clean, solar-powered electricity to over 200 households in her community for the first time in 2017.

Yollande's journey took her to India, where she attended a six-month course on the manufacturing and maintenance of solar energy systems. What makes Yollande's story truly innovative is that most of the components used in these systems were not imported but were instead installed, maintained, and operated by the illiterate women of her village.

Focusses:

• Highlighting Yollande's inspiring story and conveying her message to other under-resourced communities worldwide.
• Her pioneering contribution to bringing clean energy solutions to her village.
• Demonstrating that illiteracy is not a barrier to learning and making a positive impact.
• Believing in the capabilities of communities to create meaningful change.
• Discussing the importance of government support for initiatives like Yollande's and the role of public institutions in empowering local communities.
• Examining the government’s support to Yollande.

Inflation and other economic challenges have become the proverbial elephant in the room—something everyone avoids discussing. This hidden ailment afflicts the economy, posing a threat to wealth, eroding purchasing power, and exacerbating economic inequality.

In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in inflation, presenting complex economic challenges and difficult times for many. However, avoiding conversations about inflation is not an option; it is an inevitable necessity. Inflation resides among us, affecting individuals, investors, large corporations, and governments alike. The question arises: How can we effectively and transparently communicate about these intricate and sensitive economic issues?

In this session, IGCF will highlight why tough issues like inflation should be brought to light, and discuss the importance of addressing them with courage and with the public to understand their challenges, view points and expectations from the government.

Focusses:

• How can governments explain complex issues like inflation to the public?
• What are the most positive & effective ways to communicate negative economic news?
• How can government communication instil public confidence during economic crises?
• Can we reshape the narrative around inflation to view it as an opportunity, not a challenge?
• How can we avoid falling for negative financial market expectations?

The comparison between developing and advanced countries is an ongoing discussion at the governmental, societal and individual levels. While many countries worldwide have succeeded in optimally harnessing their natural, human and economic resources to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development, some resource-rich countries have struggled to leverage the abundance to realise their developmental aspirations.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report for 2020 indicates that developing countries lose approximately $700 billion annually due to trade policies and the lack of controls on the exchange of goods derived from their natural resources. Additionally, the absence of regulatory policies for mineral exploration costs developing countries $20-40 billion annually, according to reports by UN agencies.

Given this reality, the question is, what are the reasons behind this disparity, and what are the most effective mechanisms and strategies for putting developing countries on a new path of development through strategic and optimal resource investments? The answer lies in the power of "communication" and its impact.

Effective communication between governments and communities has been a key driver of national and civilisational advancement. Communication has corrected misnomers about resources, facilitated the execution of innovative development models, and transformed government policy frameworks from being regimented practice to a conscious social culture.

International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) opens the door for experts and specialists to engage in discussions about the best strategies for utilising communication in redefining the concept of resources, their investment, and overcoming waste-related challenges.

Focusses:

• How can successful communication lead to resource optimisation?
• Can communication replace the ‘poor countries’ label with ‘potential-filled countries’?
• How does communication enable societies to view and practice resource optimisation as a societal culture as opposed to a government initiative or diktat?
• Is it possible to achieve development without meticulous government communication?
• What are the challenges of the World Food Programme, and how can they be addressed?
• What are the implications of the global food crisis on the future of humanity, and which communities and groups are most affected?
• Are there genuine global projects to alleviate the plight of impoverished communities?
• The role of sustainable cities in resource management and protection.
• Sustainable urban settlements (sustainable cities) offer a solution to the challenges of resource preservation.
• Convincing society and decision-makers about the importance of sustainable cities and their impact on the future of humanity.

An AI-powered car faces a moral dilemma: Should it avoid running over a child crossing the road by sacrificing an elderly man on the side? Who should it prioritise in this emergency situation? This perplexing scenario, reminiscent of the well-known trolley problem, serves as an illustration of the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. It raises a thought-provoking question: Are we in the process of redefining Asimov's Laws?

In 1942, the writer Isaac Asimov foresaw challenges we might encounter in our interactions with artificial intelligence through his works of fiction, and formulated Three Laws of Robotics to guide the designing and programming of robots.

Almost a century later, we find ourselves confronted with the very challenges that Asimov anticipated. We need to delve into the depths of our moral principles, explore ethical theories, and examine our own biases. At the International Government Communication Forum, we delve deeper into understanding the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and explore innovative communication strategies to prepare for the future changes.

Focusses:

• How can governments help shape the ethical values of robots?
• How can government communication continue to create impact in the era of AI?
• Should AI be bound by laws that require it to act in humanity's best interests?
• What ethical considerations should we bear in mind when discussing artificial intelligence, and what role does government communication play in defining them?

Digital media is considered a means to reach a broader segment of society, having a wide audience from various age groups. However, discussing health in digital media can sometimes come from non-experts, contributing to the spread of misinformation. In this workshop, we will shed light on harnessing digital health to enhance public awareness of its significance and proper practices, guided by specialized medical professionals.

Focusses

• Global and Local Landscape of Digital Health Media
• Utilizing and Implementing Digital Health Media in Our Context
• Encouraging and Equipping Specialized Personnel in the Digital Health Field
• Challenges of Digital Health in the Next Decade

The Health Education Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs

The diverse and multiple challenges facing human capital have become particularly urgent. Such challenges have been increasing with the evolving and interlinked global economic crises, especially in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis in 2020 and the subsequent global crises in 2022, the widespread global inflation, stagnation and unemployment.

Given these international crises, this research report on human capital management in a crisis-ridden world seeks to explore how wealth can be preserved and developed against the backdrop of global economic challenges, with a focus on the case of the UAE economy in learning from international experiences. It also seeks to answer the main question it poses, namely: how can human capital be successfully managed, preserved and developed in light of the challenges facing the world and the UAE?

Besides, the research report addresses the sub-questions emanating from the main question, which are: what types of wealth are targeted for preservation and development, and what is the position of human capital in the modern economy compared to other types of wealth? What are the most important lessons to be learned from successful international experiences and built upon in developing human capital? What are the general and specialised recommendations that can be provided to decision makers in the institutions responsible for human capital management?

Focusses

• The first section provides the economic definition of human capital and the effect of education and training of its development.
• The second section answers the question of how human capital is impacted by global economic crises, and what are the main impacting factors today”
• The third section tries to show some leading international experiences in human capital management in order to benefit from them in analysing the UAE’s experience in preserving its national human capital.
• The fourth examines the case of human capital in the UAE in comparison to human capital indicators published in international reports.
• The fifth section presents the most important short- and long-term operational recommendations for preserving and developing the UAE human capital in times of global economic challenges.

Trends Research & Advisory

Eminent television anchor and presenter Mahmoud Saad reprises his long professional journey and the most important positions he has handled as a television anchor and presenter. He would be shining a light on the prominent differences between presenting television content in its traditional form and presenting content on YouTube and the vital lessons he learnt. He would be discussing professionalism, knowledge and inspiration, and choosing a media career in light of his invaluable experiences.

Sharjah Press Club

Artificial intelligence is increasingly impacting various industries, enhancing efficiency and productivity. It's also playing a role in improving governmental communications through data analysis and policy guidance.

However, these advancements raise challenges in the realm of intellectual property rights, as determining ownership of creations by intelligent systems becomes complex

Focusses

• Artificial intelligence and its growing impact in various industries.
• The role of artificial intelligence in improving government communications.
• Challenges of intellectual property rights after artificial intelligence.
• Future directions for government communication and artificial intelligence.
• ‘Create with Shams’ platform.

Sharjah Media City (Shams)

This session discusses the role of educational and media institutions in achieving the relevant national agenda in sustainability, as it is a major part of future strategic directions and how to benefit from COP28 as an important milestone in achieving the 2023 sustainable development goals and achieving the climate neutrality strategy 2025.

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)

In the efforts to build a government capacity for the future, leadership will play a pivotal role. But a new generation of leaders will have to be developed, possessing different competencies and capabilities which will enable them to bring their organization up to the challenges of the 21st century.

In order to work effectively and constructively in an organization, particularly in a position of leadership, communication skills are not only useful, but also essential.

Good communication abilities are an important tool to manage people, to work productively in a team, to solve complex problems and to resolve conflict.

Effective leaders are good listeners and communicators and are able to motivate people and promote a culture of engagement.

The utilization of modern means of communication, requires adapting approaches, methods and techniques to ensure that they actually enhance and do not hamper the effectiveness of communication.

Some of the communication abilities are innate, but many of them require learning and development. Therefore, training to improve communication skills is an important component of leadership development.

Focusses:

• Active listening and communication
• How to communicate effectively and constructively in a team
• Communication and negotiation
• Developing emotional intelligence to work constructively with others
• Problems Solving
• Conflict management
• Information sharing
• Stress management
• Presentation skills
• On-line communication
• Understanding the importance of using and sharing Data
• Dealing with difficult media interviews
• Dealing with Digital Media
• Storytelling

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

The Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC) is the first creative environment of its kind in the UAE aimed at imparting practical AI skills to students and youth. The Camp is an initiative to build in students and youth essential knowledge of basic AI concepts and practical applications, and how AI may be integrated into our daily lives.

Students participating in the Camp can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to produce applications that can be used in government administration and services and for creating media content such as videos, texts, news reports, photographs, short films, documentaries and animation films using AI. With the help of AI, students can create and use content that can be integrated into various economic sectors, especially in supporting the digital economy for governments.

Students in the camp will acquire skills in producing various forms of media content, including videos, texts, news, images, short films, and animations, utilizing artificial intelligence. They will also have the opportunity to showcase the works and projects they have produced, within four competitions. A judging committee from the Sharjah Government Communication Award will select the winning projects.

The Camp offers trainees a rare opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of AI and the unfolding future of technology in the Arab world and beyond.

Focusses:

• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence applications and content creation
• Content creation in Metaverse
• Creating avatars using artificial intelligence
• Creating cartoons using artificial intelligence

The Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF)

Government communications programs have a critical role to play in developing thriving communities that are resilient to future crises; however, existing communications campaigns often fall short. An understanding of human behaviour, informed by empirical research in psychology, economics and other behavioural sciences can make communications more effective. Worldwide, more than 200 public bodies are leveraging behavioural insights to craft and communicate better policy. Behavioural insights enable governments to steer human behaviour often using the power of suggestion to influence people’s decisions — rather than bans or fines. They can be used to encourage people to make better choices for themselves, and society while maintaining freedom of choice.

The behavioural insights sessions will introduce participants to evidence-based lessons from behavioural science and give them the skills to apply them in their work.

Viewing resource management through a behavioural lens will provide participants with a new perspective on the role and potential of government policies and communications in this space. BIT will draw on our expertise across these areas to deliver the expert panels and develop behavioural challenges for the BI programme that will showcase the application of BI to improve resource management.

The Behavioural Insights Programme and panels will offer conference attendees new perspectives on how to leverage BI to improve their communication strategies and/or policy initiatives to manage resources. Participants will leave the sessions equipped with a range of practical methods and tools that can be used to apply behavioural insights to improve policy outcomes.

Focuses

The concept theme of “Better resource management for stronger community development” will consider how resources can be managed across four pillars:

• Food and water security
• Natural resources and environment
• Knowledge and education
• Industry, investment and trade

Behavioural Insight Team

• Green Economy Concepts: What are they? What is the public’s perception of them?
• The dichotomy between objectivity and polemics on the green economy: What defines media narratives and evidence that backs relevant arguments?
• How do social media influencers approach green economy concepts as media content makers?

• What are the global media trends related to covering food security-related issues?
• What are the opportunities and tools available for the media to spotlight food security and related issues?
• Media and Food Security Challenges: What are they and how can we tackle them? How can media institutions and influential figures help in this regard?

Sharjah Government Media Bureau in cooperation with the Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Enhancing food security is a strategic priority for the government of Sharjah in particular, and the UAE in general, as the world is currently facing many challenges in food, which requires a trend towards sustainable agriculture and livestock, and to reach self-sufficiency, the UAE has developed a number of plans that serve to enhance agricultural production and livestock, and achieve food security, such as the national strategy for food security 2051.

Focusses

• Food security in the UAE challenges and ambitions (solutions)
• National strategy for food security 2051
• Government efforts to support agricultural and livestock production.
• Smart agriculture and its importance for sustainable food security.
• Innovations and investment in sustainable agricultural technology.

Sharjah's agricultural and livestock experience considered as continuation of work on the development of comprehensive development aimed at sustainability, which contributes to enhancing food security and adaptation to climate change.

This project, which represents the wise and forward-looking vision of what the future requires of strategic projects, was the fruit of "seven ears“ product, which expressed an unrelenting will and determination that did not stop, as it was almost impossible, and became a reality with the determination and unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and behind it was a united team, and many soldiers conquered the impossible.

Department of Agriculture and Livestock Resources , Sharjah

Economies are built on the contributions of the young labor force. However, demographic trends indicate a shift in population dynamics. By the year 2050, the number of elderly individuals is projected to surpass the number of children under the age of 14. This underscores the importance of governments investing in growing their young population. This panel discussion aims to give better understanding on the economic implications of delayed family formation, and how governments can formulate effective strategies to allocate resources and implement policies that encourage family formation. Furthermore, the discussion will explore how effective government communication can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of establishing a family and its role in societal development..

Focusses:

• How the government can efficiently roll out supportive policies and allocate resources, such as funding, infrastructure, and services, to create an environment conducive to family formations such as investing in social programs, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and family-friendly public spaces that cater to the needs of young families. 
• Effective human resource management within the government to address the needs of young families, such as hiring and training personnel who are knowledgeable and sensitive to family-related issues, including family planning, parental support, and child development
• Impact and repercussions of delay in families giving birth on economic growth and the labor force and how effective government communication plays a crucial role in addressing this issue by raising awareness and implementing strategies to encourage family formation.
• The role of effective government communication strategies, plans and campaigns in promoting topics such as family formation and its role in societal advancement and economic development, and how governments can utilize various communication channels to raise awareness about government programs, benefits, and opportunities available for young families, ensuring that the target audience is well-informed and can easily access the resources and support they need.

Prioritising Wellbeing and Mental Health: The Path to Productivity

This talk explores the concept of nurturing mental resilience, akin to building an "immune system" for your brain, and equipping oneself with essential psychology skills. The goal is to empower individuals to cultivate a positive psychological outlook and bring their most efficient and effective mental make-up to their work and family life.

In today's interconnected and globalized world, governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of harnessing female power as a catalyst for economic growth and development. This panel discussion aims to explore the concept of females as a new form of soft power and their potential to serve as economic enabler, shedding light on the importance of overcoming the challenges and creating opportunities for women in their academic and professional journeys, as well as the role of governments in nurturing and leveraging this valuable resource, sharing on government strategies, policy frameworks, and collaborative efforts that can empower women, foster gender equality, and unlock economic opportunities.

Focusses:

• How women's empowerment and the cultivation of their power can contribute to economic growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
• Successful government initiatives and policies that have effectively empowered women, fostering an enabling environment for them to thrive and contribute to the economy.
• Strategies to encourage and support women in leadership roles across various sectors, including business, politics, academia, and civil society.
• The importance of cultural diplomacy as a means to promote gender equality, inclusivity, and diversity on a global scale.
• The significance of collaboration between governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and international stakeholders in building female soft power and fostering economic empowerment.
• Examples of countries or regions that have successfully harnessed female power as an economic enabler, sharing insights and lessons learned.

Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sharjah

A qualitative initiative that was launched by the International Government Communication Centre during the eighth session of the IGCF in 2019 with the aim of providing knowledge-related content and a database for all matters related to government communication such as research, studies, books, references and global best practices. It seeks to become an essential reference for workers, researchers and scholars in this field as well as being a forum for exchanging knowledge and research to ensure the development of government communication domestically, regionally and internationally.

The "Researchers" platform includes several academic and knowledge-related activities, as well as a presentation of the International Government Communication Centre's latest publications and a discussion of books on government communication issues or topics related to the IGCF's themes.

• Provide an open forum for students at communication and media faculties (in state universities) to discuss their master’s theses and research-based and applied graduation projects in various areas of government communication
• Shine a light on graduation projects by the students of the professional diploma for government communication
• Invite a group of academics and government communication experts in local and federal organisations and bodies to discuss the various facets of government communication, and to present their institutional experiences in this area through the submitted research papers, studies and working papers.

• Guide to Government Communications Governance Dr Ahmed Farouk, Dr Amr Abdelhamid, members of the academic committee for government communications
• Applications of artificial intelligence in government communications Dr Muhammad Abd al-Zahir, Dr Shirin Musa, members of the academic committee for government communications

• The effect of government institutions' innovative messaging strategies on content recognition: a field study on the Emirati public, Prof. Wafaa Abd Al-Khalek Tharwat -Umm Al Quwain University.
• The government communications agenda in the UAE: analysis of the tweets of local government comms departments, Dr. Ahmad Al Mansouri, Dr. khalaf Tahat - United Arab Emirates University.
• The role of government social media accounts in managing media crises. Dr Muhammad al-Aqabi - University of Helwan

• Augmented Reality Light Museum - Adel Ahmad Kariman - Ajman University
• The communications dimension in the sustainable environment in the Emirate of Sharjah - Muhammad Alamin Jaiteh, Ahmed Elbatanouny- Al Qassimia University.
• A media awareness campaign titled "Our Journey" - Aisha Khamis Alsaadi- Zayed University

• Making a Difference in Research- Prof. Jairo Lugo-Ocando - University of Sharjah
• Arab Youth Research Council and Arab Youth Research Platform - Prof Dr Ghanim Kashwani - Arab Youth Research Council

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)

Sharjah Youth Council

Media professionals, Social Media Pioneers, and the UAE Council for Digital Wellbeing

Sharjah Youth Council

Sharjah children and Youth Parliament Council members

Rubu’ Qarn Foundation

The platform will showcase youth’s success stories and innovative experiences, highlighting their challenges across various business sectors, ultimately leading to remarkable achievements that have left lasting imprints and wide-ranging impact.

Participants, through inspirational speeches, address the role of governments in supporting youth projects and transforming their ideas and aspirations into entrepreneurial ventures that align with their ambitions and societies’ developmental visions.

Focusses

• Overview of the project and its outcomes
• What is an entrepreneurial project and the secrets to its success?
• The role of legislative and legal systems in supporting youth entrepreneurship?
• The role of governments in fostering youth aspirations and backing their projects.
• The key challenges of entrepreneurial projects and strategies for overcoming them.
• Who are the partners of success?
• Importance of innovation and creativity in entrepreneurial ventures.

In cooperation with United Arab Emirates University, the IGCF will be holding a three-day challenge for creative students from across the GCC, who will compete to design and present innovative communications projects: initiatives with broad social payback, vital governmental services, digital portals to facilitate communication between government bodies and the public, and other projects that provide genuine contributions to government communications in the GCC countries.

The 2023 University Challenge will focus on sustainable development in honour of the UAE's Year of Sustainability and of COP 28, which will be held in the country in November 2023. Participating projects may use the various tools, programmes and channels of government communications in the following fields:

• Protecting the terrestrial environment
• Protecting the aquatic environment
• Preserving natural life
• Preserving water resources
• Preserving air quality
• Relying on clean energy
• Green development
• Strengthening infrastructure
• Developing sanitation
• Waste management
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Reducing electricity consumption

UAE Cybersecurity Council

Many countries worldwide have successfully built advanced systems in many sectors that have contributed to achieving their development goals.

Diplomatic communication has a very important role to play in the transmission of these experiences and knowledge both of the challenges involved and the successes that have been achieved, allowing everyone to benefit from them when developing their own development policies that will contribute to growth.

The diplomatic communication platform within the agenda of the International Forum on Government Communication will allow the ambassadors of a number of countries to describe their countries' developmental successes and contribute to international cooperation, partnership-building and the adoption of global best practice.

Discussion Session: Experience of Costa Rica and Sharjah in sustainable food security: Processes and practices that make a difference

Food security is simply described as a state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. However, hunger levels are rising around the world. As many as 828 million people – or 10 per cent of the world's population – go to bed hungry each night, 46 million more than the previous year, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

This dialogue between Sharjah and Costa Rica merges two successful experiences in achieving sustainable food security in two very different and distant parts of the world and demonstrates how cross-cultural exchange can empower nations to overcome some of the most pressing challenges the world faces today.

Focusses:

• Sustainable agriculture, food security and environment conservation: building an understanding of the Costa Rican context.
• Sustainable agriculture, food security and environment conservation: an understanding of the Sharjah context.
• Some nations report food surplus, excessive consumerism and waste, while some others suffer from acute and widespread hunger. Can a more equitable distribution of food resources promote sustainability in food security?
• How can government communication messages be designed to transform consumer behaviour, business and agricultural practices, and our general attitude toward the environment in a positive way?
• How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected nations’ approach towards food security sustainability? How have Costa Rica and Sharjah been transforming their respective food system key capabilities in the post-pandemic era?
• How the interplay of internal and external dynamics, combined with food system actors connecting and committing to specific actions, can enable cities and countries to move towards more sustainable food systems?

Department of Government Relations, Sharjah

The workshop covers new editorial methods of news writing for various media outlets in line with technological development and audience interests.

• News elements
• News values
• News writing methods
• News sources and information authentication
• News ethics

The workshop covers the basics and skills of filming video news reports according to television production tools.

• Basics of filming
• Types of news reports
• Technical tools of the Videographer
• Shooting angles and camera movements

University of Sharjah

Renowned global leadership expert, Robin Sharma, asserts that leadership is not limited to specific positions or titles but is a human characteristic that can be cultivated by anyone, anywhere. He believes that within each individual, there may be dormant leadership qualities that need to be awakened, refined and honed by boosting self-awareness, taking responsibility and avoiding the habit of making excuses or blaming others.

However, merely holding titles or occupying leadership positions do not automatically make an individual an impactful leader. In fact, many people in such positions may lack the necessary attributes, leading to failure due to their inability to effectively lead teams. On the other hand, individuals who exhibit leadership qualities without formal titles often demonstrate their capacity to tackle challenges head-on.

In this IGCF session, Robin Sharma, a motivational speaker and CEO of "Sharma Leadership International” will share valuable insights on how to inspire employees to develop a leadership character. Drawing from his extensive experience advising senior leaders and CEOs in the corporate world, he will offer practical advice on unlocking the leadership potential in each and every person in an organisation.

• What is a leading character?
• How can we cultivate and nurture our leadership character?
• What is the significance of personal leadership in achieving success?
• Is leadership intertwined with innovation and creativity?
• The role of a leadership personality in inspiring employees.
• The importance of leadership in attaining accomplishments and success.

With the communications revolution that the world has witnessed since the beginning of the new millennium, there has been a radical transformation in the concept of learning and a change in the role of academic and educational institutions. Employment opportunities shifted from valuing degrees to valuing competencies and skills, leading to the concept of "lifelong learning" and opening up opportunities for alternative and complementary learning options beyond schools and universities.

This development has created new opportunities for those deprived of access to high-quality education, unable to afford the costs of universities, transportation, and living expenses. They can now acquire new knowledge and skills that serve their professional future and intellectual aspirations. Pioneering digital platforms have emerged, offering sciences, arts, humanities, and skills to learners from different countries, transforming from innovative projects into sustainable solutions to overcome educational challenges worldwide.

In this talk of the International Forum on Government Communication, attention is drawn to the fact that more than 263 million children, teenagers, and young people around the world are out of school, either due to lack of educational opportunities or due to dropouts after enrollment. The session reexamines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alternative education options and distance learning, discussing successful experiences that have brought about a transformation in the concept of learning. It also explores the power of effective communication in raising awareness of the need to change education and integrate millions of children into the educational journey without the necessity of building new schools.

• How can governments create successful communication strategies to address children in the 21st century? What are the difficulties and obstacles that modern technology can alleviate for education?
• What will the schools of the future look like, and is it possible to make knowledge acquisition accessible to all children worldwide?
• What available solutions can elevate education, and does its proliferation pose a risk to children's ability to acquire knowledge?
• How can a growing global momentum be created around the necessity for radical change in traditional educational systems?

The speech will be delivered by Ms. "Isatou Cissay". Cissay is an activist and social entrepreneur from Gambia, known in her country as the "Recycling Queen."

She initiated the movement called "One Plastic Bag" to teach women the skills of recycling plastic waste and transforming it into products that generate income for families, showcasing a clear demonstration of how resources can be turned into assets that benefit communities and support sustainable livelihoods.

Under Cissay's management, the recycling movement expanded to reach major cities in Gambia, establishing educational and recycling centers simultaneously. Her inspiring story has earned her international recognition, with news agencies sharing her journey.

• Introducing Cissay's personal experience and its impact on the community.
• How one person's idea can change the destinies of societies and pave the way for others to bring about change.
• The impact of Cissay's experience on development through resource investment and recycling.
• Environmental and economic impact.
• The challenges Cissay faced and how she overcame them.
• The role of governments in supporting development pioneers and promoting their experiences.
• A message from Cissay to women worldwide.

Amidst daily preoccupations, we often overlook crucial questions that hold the key to our success or failure. Such as, where do our footsteps lead? What destiny befalls global endeavours? How is the march toward the 17 ambitious 2030 goals quantified?

At the heart of these questions lies a singular focal point: data and its correlating indicators and measurement tools. Governments and organisations around the world demand reliable tools rooted in meticulous research and analysis to guide policies towards these grand milestones. As a result, the United Nations carefully crafted 244 indicators driving 17 overarching goals, from which 169 targets emerge. These include “No Poverty,” “Zero Hunger,” “Gender Equality,” “Affordable and Clean Energy,” and other widely adopted indicators today.

In our era, data, measurement tools, and outcome indicators have transcended government and essential international organisations. They are now essential for institutions, corporations, and organisations across society, as well as for custodians of various forms of communication, particularly government. Without them, our trajectory remains obscured, our investments in time unclear, and crises may deepen.

In this inspirational talk, Counselor Andrew Rzepa, partner at Gallup and public sector executive director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, a luminary who has played a pivotal role in crafting numerous global indicators, particularly the “No Hunger” indicator.

Focusses

• Using the endorsed international indicators, what progress has the world made towards achieving core objectives in poverty alleviation, hunger eradication, unemployment mitigation, and resource sustainability?
• Will 2030 mark the triumphant declaration of achieving the sustainable development goals, or will the journey require a longer timeframe?
• How do data and indicators strengthen government and societal efforts to strategically allocate resources along their developmental trajectories?
• How is the methodology developed to create indicators for overarching global goals that encompass diverse communities with varying capabilities?
• Based on data and indicator outcomes, what are the leading global models for resource and wealth allocation?
• Can media and government communication amplify support for global and governmental endeavours to strategically invest resources to achieve their objectives?

As education technology continues to take big strides, there is a debate surrounding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and other modern technologies on students' critical thinking skills. For instance, Gina Lyle, spokesperson for the New York City Department of Education, argues that while AI tools provide quick and easy answers, they fail to foster the essential skills needed for academic and lifelong success.

Education technology companies like Duolingo and Quizlet have integrated OpenAI technologies into their applications, influencing the future of education. This IGCF session explores the balance between embracing new technologies and the notion of the well-informed, skilled, and inspired universal teacher, drawing inspiration from Aristotle's role as a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. It also examines government strategies for driving educational transformation and effectively leveraging artificial intelligence and innovative communication options.

• How can we strike a balance between traditional educational values and the integration of new technologies to meet the needs of the contemporary world?
• How can governments effectively communicate with citizens on educational matters and engage them in the transformation process?
• What role does government communication play in promoting the adoption of modern and innovative technology in the education sector?
• How can teachers be prepared and developed to effectively navigate a technologically advanced educational environment?
• How can governments emphasise the importance of inclusive teaching in the age of AI and digital learning?
• What is the result of using modern technologies and artificial intelligence in both government and private educational institutions?
• The future vision of educational systems and institutions.

In a world of abundance, it's easy to fall into the trap of excessive consumption. Starting from material goods like clothing and fast food, and extending to media, we often consume without appreciating the true value of what we're using. We read quickly, eat quickly, watch quickly, and then move on to the next available content. These grand and massive consumption behaviors can indirectly harm the quality of our perception of things and diminish our ability to fully enjoy life's intricacies.

While navigating the labyrinth of immense human consumption every day, we discover that boundless human ambition has led to the inflation of consumption at the expense of the Earth we inhabit. The world we live in is struggling under the weight of our excessive consumption of resources and energy. Unfortunately, we may have reached the edge of the abyss, where radical change might be the only option available to us.

In this session, we delve into the effects of overconsumption on individuals and society, as well as exploring ways to regain control over our lives through deeper and more conscious thinking or through simplification. We also discuss how to navigate digital and material abundance while preserving mental health, psychological well-being, and a mindful awareness of our surroundings.

• Highlighting the global consumption rate on an annual basis
• How can government communication play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting behaviour change towards sustainable consumption?
• How can the philosophy of simplification be integrated into government policies and communication strategies to address overconsumption?
• What role can governments play in addressing the repercussions of excessive consumption on the environment and natural resources?
• What actionable steps can be taken to ensure a sustainable and balanced use of global resources?
• The experience of the wheat farm in Mleiha, Sharjah and its impact on the emirate's production?
• The impact of increasing demand or consumption levels beyond the resources and products provided by the state?

The ongoing transformations necessitated the creation of innovative tools and methods in communication plans within the strategic directions towards sustainability and to meet the requirements of responsible communication as a support tool for development, environmental preservation and addressing the repercussions of climate change.

Given the role of communication in promoting visions of sustainability, its inclusion within the concept of communication contributes to adopting the idea of change for the better to achieve development and develop societies.

Focusses

• The concept of sustainability and its themes and applications
• Sustainable development goals
• Offering community and environmental initiatives
• Offering more specialised visions in the context of environmental issues
• Raising issues and challenges of common interest with specialised institutions
• Presenting the visions of the Emirate of Sharjah in preserving the environment
• Developing ideas for a more sustainable future
• Participate in drawing up a plan to disseminate the initiatives in the media and educate the community
• Develop outputs and recommendations to achieve goals

The session features a lively and engaging discussion amongst members of future generations about tomorrow’s media. The session would be hosting a group of graduates of the Ithmaar Media Training Program for children and youth, organised annually by the Sharjah Press Club, about the future of media in general and digital media in particular. The session also showcases media experiences for young people participating in the dialogue.

Graduates of Ithmaar Media Training Program for Children and Youth

Sharjah Press Club

The "New Media and Community Sustainability" workshop discusses various forms of media, with a focus on new media, and how it plays an important role in confronting negative phenomena that are negative and disturbing to society. It does so by highlighting the positive side of the customs and traditions that govern any society with the aim of achieving sustainability that protects society from negative external influences.

Focuses

• What is the new media and its various categories?
• The contribution of the new media to the development and sustainability of society
• Recommendations to achieve the media and community sustainability.

Training Department - Sharjah Government Media Bureau

Focusses

• Positive communication and the impact of youth on family life (Communication with parents:between reality and aspiration).
• Enhancing the methodology of participation among family members.
• Daily practices and their effects on conserving resources.
• Showcasing successful practices .
• Creating the plan and practicing positive pressure on the family and the external environment.

Family Development Department and Branches

Residents of a neighborhood are closer to understanding its realities and challenges, and are more capable of effectively addressing them. Therefore, constructive communication between local residents and the government opens new horizons for achieving advancements in the quality of life and service levels for the population, achievements that theoretical plans might not fulfill.

In the District Councils, a vibrant picture of integration and collaboration between the government and the community comes to life. Creative energies and skills are invested in serving their society, contributing to the dissemination of social and cultural awareness in coordination with relevant authorities in the Emirate.

The Sharjah initiative in establishing District Councils exemplifies a visionary governmental approach to enhancing social cohesion by strengthening ties between neighbors and residents of the same residential area. In this session, we will explore the role of these councils in creating platforms for dialogue and interaction between community members and the government, and serving as the voice of citizens, reflecting their needs and aspirations. We will delve into how these councils promote a culture of participation and societal responsibility, strengthen social bonds, and encourage volunteering, creativity, and innovation.

Focusses

• What is the role of District Councils in enhancing social cohesion and cultural diversity, and how do they contribute to bridging distances between community members?
• How does modern technology impact these councils? Does it enhance their role and serve their objectives?
• The role of District Councils in developing infrastructure, public services, and monitoring citizens' needs, along with their mechanisms for communicating with relevant authorities to convey citizens' voices and provide suggestions.
• How can District Councils support innovative and creative initiatives aimed at solving problems or benefiting society? How can they encourage the launch of such initiatives, provide resources, expertise, and partnerships to achieve them?
• The role of District Councils in promoting environmental and health awareness, elevating the importance of environmental and health preservation, and highlighting significant campaigns and activities that promote environmentally friendly and healthy behaviors.
• The role of District Councils in human capital development and their contributions to enhancing the efficiency and skills of community members. Do they have initiatives in collaboration with relevant authorities to provide learning, training, and qualification opportunities, facilitating citizens' access to suitable employment?

Districts and Villages Affairs Department, Sharjah

In the efforts to build a government capacity for the future, leadership will play a pivotal role. But a new generation of leaders will have to be developed, possessing different competencies and capabilities which will enable them to bring their organization up to the challenges of the 21st century.

In order to work effectively and constructively in an organization, particularly in a position of leadership, communication skills are not only useful, but also essential.

Good communication abilities are an important tool to manage people, to work productively in a team, to solve complex problems and to resolve conflict.

Effective leaders are good listeners and communicators and are able to motivate people and promote a culture of engagement.

The utilization of modern means of communication, requires adapting approaches, methods and techniques to ensure that they actually enhance and do not hamper the effectiveness of communication.

Some of the communication abilities are innate, but many of them require learning and development. Therefore, training to improve communication skills is an important component of leadership development.

• Active listening and communication
• How to communicate effectively and constructively in a team
• Communication and negotiation
• Developing emotional intelligence to work constructively with others
• Problems Solving
• Conflict management
• Information sharing
• Stress management
• Presentation skills
• On-line communication
• Understanding the importance of using and sharing Data
• Dealing with difficult media interviews
• Dealing with Digital Media
• Storytelling

United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC), is the first creative conclave of its kind in the UAE, to teach and impart applied artificial intelligence skills to students and Gen Z.

The International Government Communication Forum, 12th edition, being held in September 2023, will for the first time host the Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC).

The Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC) aims to:

The Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC) is the first creative environment of its kind in the UAE aimed at imparting practical AI skills to students and youth. The Camp is an initiative to build in students and youth essential knowledge of basic AI concepts and practical applications, and how AI may be integrated into our daily lives. The students participating in the Camp can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to produce applications that can be used in government administration and services and for creating media content such as videos, texts, news reports, photographs, short films, documentaries and animation films using AI. With the help of AI, students can create and use content that can be integrated into various economic sectors, especially in supporting the digital economy for governments. The Camp offers trainees a rare opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of AI and the unfolding future of technology in the Arab world and beyond.

• Fundamentals of artificial intelligence applications and content creation
• Content creation in Metaverse
• Creating avatars using artificial intelligence
• Creating cartoons using artificial intelligence

The Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF)

Government communications programs have a critical role to play in developing thriving communities that are resilient to future crises; however, existing communications campaigns often fall short. An understanding of human behaviour, informed by empirical research in psychology, economics and other behavioural sciences can make communications more effective. Worldwide, more than 200 public bodies are leveraging behavioural insights to craft and communicate better policy. Behavioural insights enable governments to steer human behaviour often using the power of suggestion to influence people’s decisions — rather than bans or fines. They can be used to encourage people to make better choices for themselves, and society while maintaining freedom of choice.

The behavioural insights sessions will introduce participants to evidence-based lessons from behavioural science and give them the skills to apply them in their work.

Viewing resource management through a behavioural lens will provide participants with a new perspective on the role and potential of government policies and communications in this space. BIT will draw on our expertise across these areas to deliver the expert panels and develop behavioural challenges for the BI programme that will showcase the application of BI to improve resource management.

The Behavioural Insights Programme and panels will offer conference attendees new perspectives on how to leverage BI to improve their communication strategies and/or policy initiatives to manage resources. Participants will leave the sessions equipped with a range of practical methods and tools that can be used to apply behavioural insights to improve policy outcomes.

Focusses

The concept theme of “Better resource management for stronger community development” will consider how resources can be managed across four pillars:

• Food and water security
• Natural resources and environment
• Knowledge and education
• Industry, investment and trade

Behavioural Insight Team

Given the recent developments in government communication, in terms of challenges facing government communication entities and their employees, the tasks and responsibilities they handle and the established practices, the review of the reality, challenges, and future prospects of the sector is necessary and vital in order to boost the effectiveness and efficiency of government communication professionals in handling the responsibilities entrusted to them.

This project focuses on studying the reality of government communication practices in government departments and agencies in the Emirate from a new scientific and cognitive perspective that monitors, analyses, and evaluates the reality, applications and practices of government communication in the departments and agencies of the Emirate of Sharjah, in all aspects, and foresees future prospects.

The study is not limited to evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the human element in charge of government communication tasks, as it stems from the perception that a proper scientific assessment of a specific case, issue, or topic requires an analysis of the general context of this phenomenon.

Any objective vision aimed at studying the state of government communication in a country or emirate requires a comprehensive understanding of the work environment of government communication departments in organisational, administrative and planning aspects, methods, models and strategies used, and the elements of government communication used is necessary, in addition to an analysis of government communication products and messages and how to formulate media messages, their quality, and public attitudes towards the performance of government communication departments.

The study must also measure the impact of practices and activities of these departments while not neglecting relevant public communication posts.

The societal character of these departments also needs to be examined according to specific measurement indicators aimed at monitoring the achievements, analysing their reality, indicating strengths and weaknesses in their performance, rationalising their work paths, and exploring prospects for their future development.

Focusses

• The study to determine the nature, quality, characteristics, qualifications and skills of government communication practitioners.
• The study on evaluating the effectiveness of the use of social media by government communication departments in the Emirate in performing their work.
• The study to identify media professionals and journalists' perceptions about the performance of government communication departments and the quality of relations between them.
• The study of those in charge of social communication in government organisations.
• The study of senior officials of government communication departments and their perceptions of the reality, challenges and future of government communication.
• The study on evaluating the media content and communication messages that are produced and designed by the government communication departments in the Emirate of Sharjah.
• The study of analysing public attitudes and perceptions vis-à-vis the performance of government communication departments.
• Reports determining how to develop indicators for evaluating the performance of government communication departments and developing work guides and guidelines in government communication tasks.
• The study of the most prominent organisational and marketing initiatives, programmes, and practices undertaken by government communication departments.

Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB)

The intricate interplay between the energy, mining, and heavy industries sectors, and their relationship with sustainability and climate considerations, might seem paradoxical at first. On the surface, it appears that these domains are at odds. Yet, upon closer inspection, a different picture emerges. As humanity advances with progress, innovation, and exploration, these sectors become essential for meeting fundamental human needs that shape our daily lives.

In this context, the criticism often leveled against these sectors might be seen as somewhat misplaced. Envisaging a world without their role is a challenge that defies practicality. What remains essential is fostering collaborative alliances between industry leaders in energy, mining, and manufacturing, and those who influence policy, government decisions, and advocate for sustainability. This collaboration, marked by various forms of cooperation and backing, bears the potential to strike a harmonious equilibrium. Contemporary scientific breakthroughs present an array of solutions to mitigate the environmental repercussions of energy consumption, industrial practices, and mining activities.

The global landscape abounds with pioneering instances wherein climate and environment preservation have been deftly executed alongside the relentless consumption of energy, mining operations, and industries. Moreover, scientific research and studies continue to proffer innovative solutions hinging on technology to fortify climate preservation and herald sustainability. In this session, the International Government Communication Forum will explore the complex interactions among mining, energy, and industry in relation to environmental and climate impacts. The conversation will revolve around practical approaches, focusing on the following key aspects:

Focusses

• Can the utilization of conventional energy persist through the assimilation of emissions-reduction strategies and mitigation of environmental harm?
• What is the extent of non-renewable energy's contribution to the disruption of ecological diversity, and how can it be rectified?
• To what extent has the transition towards renewable energy advanced?
• Are substantial endeavors underway in the region to pivot towards sustainable industries and the utilization of recyclable raw materials?
• What blueprints outline the region's future energy production, consumption, and manufacturing trajectories—from raw material extraction to end-user consumption?
• How can governmental communication and media be utilized to alleviate the pressure on energy consumption and related products?
• What global examples offer the best practices for harmonizing sustainability, responsible energy consumption, and the management of heavy industrial byproducts?

Sharjah SME "Ruwad" participation in the forum includes hosting and managing a panel discussion titled "Results of the Study on the Impact of Government Support on the Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)." The center conducted this study on a sample of its member entrepreneurial projects, aiming to assess the role of government support and its influence in creating an enabling environment for startups and nurturing the projects of young citizens. The session will highlight several crucial aspects that impact the establishment, launch, and management of small and medium enterprises. It will also emphasize the extent to which these enterprises have benefited from the array of services provided by “Ruwad”. This includes showcasing guidance and counseling services through various targeted training programs, aimed at enhancing the skills of young entrepreneurs and empowering them with knowledge to initiate their ventures and contribute to the national economy. Moreover, the session will address the impact of technical and financial consultations offered by “Ruwad” to enhance project development. It will also delve into the exemptions from various government fees, facilitating business operations and reducing initial establishment costs for young entrepreneurs. Additionally, the discussion will explore the impact of financing provided to the projects covered in the study's sample, in terms of providing the necessary financial resources for establishment and growth.

Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD)

Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

In this era of instant communications, information, and modern technologies, the media has come to exercise the most influential impact on the values, ethics, and behaviours of young people. Social networking sites, AR/VR/XR technologies, and artificial intelligence media have begun to have a clear impact on the production of content and the effective delivery of its messages to the technology generation. This is why it makes sense to engage the youth on climate issues, delving into the future of media mechanisms to build content capable of addressing youth and touching them at their core for the future and well-being of the planet.

Focusses:

• What new advancements in AR/VR/XR can help deliver more impactful content?
• How can this new technology engage youth onclimate issues?
• Talk about my COP28 XR experience;
• What are the implications of using such technologies and how does the message change/impact?
• Use of immersive tools by governments to activate youth’s engagement and deliver a powerful message;
• What are future disruptive communication technologies that could change the way we communicate with youth about important topics?

The Maliha wheat farm is considered one of the most important sustainable agricultural projects in the UAE, as it is a new pattern in achieving self-sufficiency, and raising production rates to ensure that the necessary quantities are met, to cover the needs of the emirate of Sharjah, which will provide about 15,200 tons of wheat after the completion of the project, which covers an area of 1900 hectares during the current year, and this quantity represents the emirate's consumption during the year from outlets for wheat and flour importers, this quantity produced will replace what is imported.

Focusses

• The vision of His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah in providing safe food
• Sharjah's experience in wheat farm and achieving sustainable agriculture.
• The most important challenges faced by the experiment and ways to overcome them.
• The use of modern technologies in the wheat farm.

As per the World Health Organization's 2019 report, an astounding 12 billion productive days are lost annually due to mental health challenges, costing the global economy a staggering $1 trillion in lost productivity. This panel discussion aims to shed light on the importance of governments investing in wellbeing and mental health, as a powerful pathway to fostering flourishing economies and lessening the economic and social burden on governments and economies caused by mental health-related issues.

• The relationship and link between wellbeing and mental health and economic outcomes, including workforce productivity, innovation, healthcare costs, and social cohesion.
• The interplay between societies and citizens’ quality of life and their overall well being, including fostering good mental health.
• The benefits of shifting focus towards promoting mental wellbeing, preventive measures, early intervention, as a means to reduce the burden on economies and improve productivity.
• Successful government initiatives and policy frameworks that prioritize and allocate resources for wellbeing and mental health, addressing stigma, promoting awareness, and ensuring accessibility to mental health services.
• The economic returns and cost-effectiveness of investing in mental wellbeing as a national priority, including reductions in healthcare expenditures, increased workforce participation, and improved quality of life indicators.
• The importance of comprehensive and integrated approaches that address the social determinants of mental health, such as education, employment, housing, and community support.
• The impact of social, cultural, artistic, and sports experiences on society's mental health and wellbeing

One’s ability to harness the full potential of one’s physical environment is a reflection of their finest utilisation of their personal traits, capabilities and human skills. This session will offer practical insight into how personal skills can be discovered and honed to become the best version of oneself.

Soft Skills are centrally important for human capital development and workforce success. The demand for such skills has increased over the past 20 years, yet a Soft Skills “gap” is still noted by many employers around the world, who report that job candidates lack the soft skills needed to fill available positions.

As work continues to evolve due to technology, globalization, and other factors, one thing remains constant: the critical importance of soft skills, often referred to as "skills for life." According to a report from Deloitte Access Economics, soft skill-intensive occupations are projected to make up two-thirds of all jobs by 2030. The same report also states that the growth rate of soft skill-intensive jobs is anticipated to be 2.5 times higher than that of other occupations.

Investing in soft skills plays a key role in elevating employees capabilities, their performance and subsequently their career prospects and success. As a result, they become more valuable assets to their organizations, contributing to institutional and operational success. The cultivation of soft skills extends beyond individual achievements. It creates a positive ripple effect throughout the organization, leading to better resource management, optimized spending, and subsequently supporting economic growth at large.

• The current state of the soft skills gap in the job market and identifying the specific skills that are lacking in job candidates.
• The obstacles and barriers faced by organizations and individuals in developing and acquiring soft skills, and potential strategies to overcome these challenges.
• Identifying emerging soft skills that are becoming increasingly important in the rapidly evolving job market, and discussing their implications for human capital development.
• How the development of soft skills contributes to organizational agility and resilience, enabling sustainable growth even during economic downturns
• Soft skills as a human capital and their direct/indirect influence on the growth of industries and economies at large
• The role of government policies and initiatives in promoting and supporting the development of soft skills in the workforce.
• How advancements in technology, automation, and remote work impact the demand for soft skills and how individuals and organizations can adapt to these changes.

Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sharjah

A qualitative initiative that was launched by the International Government Communication Centre during the eighth session of the IGCF in 2019 with the aim of providing knowledge-related content and a database for all matters related to government communication such as research, studies, books, references and global best practices. It seeks to become an essential reference for workers, researchers and scholars in this field as well as being a forum for exchanging knowledge and research to ensure the development of government communication domestically, regionally and internationally.

The "Researchers" platform includes several academic and knowledge-related activities, as well as a presentation of the International Government Communication Centre's latest publications and a discussion of books on government communication issues or topics related to the IGCF's themes.

• Provide an open forum for students at communication and media faculties (in state universities) to discuss their master’s theses and research-based and applied graduation projects in various areas of government communication
• Shine a light on graduation projects by the students of the professional diploma for government communication
• Invite a group of academics and government communication experts in local and federal organisations and bodies to discuss the various facets of government communication, and to present their institutional experiences in this area through the submitted research papers, studies and working papers.

• Digital Diplomacy.. Opportunities and challenges, Dr. Mohammad Ayish, member of the academic committee for government communications
• Dictionary of Crisis Management Dr. Rahima Aissani, member of the academic committee for government communications

• Elite use of interactive media and its role in encouraging government trends in the UAE: an applied study of Twitter, Dr. Amal Sultan Al Halyan- USIM
• The role of social media in government communications during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study (Saudi Arabia) -Maha Abdullah Al Shaher - University of Sharjah
• The Effects of Social Media on Family Conversation in the Emirate of Sharjah - Dr. Fatima Ali Murad Eisa Alblooshi- Tunis University

• Arab Institutional Communications in the age of artificial intelligence: a vision for the future, Prof. Suzan Elkalliny - Liwa College of Technology
• Young Emiratis' reliance on social media and its role in strengthening citizenship values, Dr. Noora Ahmad Youssef Al-Hooti - University of Sharjah
• The role of the national media in managing crises: the COVID-19 crisis: A case study on the UAE, Dr. Ali Salim Alzohari- University of Fujairah

• Media robot and artificial intelligence campaign - Kholoud Alobeidli, Meera Thani Al Suwaidi, Latifa Hassan Abdulaal.
• Media campaign to raise awareness on violence against children: "I feel it!" Khulood Ahmad Al Shehhi.
• "Kuffa: Here For You." Amal Obaid Alkhamisi- Reem Salah Alnuaimi- Abdallah Murad Eisa.

• ✔ Awareness-raising campaign on the importance of time and how to use it correctly: "your time is valuable, don't waste it!" - Salama Ishaq Al Shaibani
• Green Charger -Ali Alshams - American University in the Emirates

Delve deeper into the dystopian genre and learn from fictitious disasters and cautionary tales of environmental degradation.

Focusses

• In what ways do authors use the setting and atmosphere to vividly portray a world ravaged by ecological disasters in eco-dystopian literature?
• What are some of the common themes and challenges presented in these books?
• How can readers draw parallels between the societies depicted in these books and current environmental issues and policies?

Associate Members of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation

Rubu’ Qarn Foundation

Sharjah Youth Council

Since the beginnings of children's literature in the United Arab Emirates, where mothers used to entertain their little ones with lullabies, folk tales, and traditional games' songs, to the successive developments witnessed by children's literature in the Emirate of Sharjah and the country as a whole, Dr. Suad Abdullah Al Tarban has compiled these aspects in her doctoral thesis. She went on to make her scholarly work more widely accessible by translating it into Braille language for the benefit of the visually impaired community.

The experience initiated by the author of the thesis addressed numerous details of the growth of children's literature and the efforts of both governmental and private entities in supporting this literature. These efforts included the General Command of Sharjah Police, Gulf News, children's centers, Sharjah TV, and the Heritage Institute, as well as the role of specialized writers in this field.

Focusses

• Reviewing the experience of translating the doctoral thesis into Braille language.
• What are the roles of governments in supporting people with disabilities and their intellectual empowerment initiatives?
• What are the challenges in converting intellectual output into Braille?
• What is the significance of the initiative and its impact on this segment?

The platform will showcase youth’s success stories and innovative experiences, highlighting their challenges across various business sectors, ultimately leading to remarkable achievements that have left lasting imprints and wide-ranging impact.

Participants, through inspirational speeches, address the role of governments in supporting youth projects and transforming their ideas and aspirations into entrepreneurial ventures that align with their ambitions and societies’ developmental visions.

Focusses

• Overview of the project and its outcomes
• What is an entrepreneurial project and the secrets to its success?
• The role of legislative and legal systems in supporting youth entrepreneurship?
• The role of governments in fostering youth aspirations and backing their projects.
• The key challenges of entrepreneurial projects and strategies for overcoming them.
• Who are the partners of success?
• Importance of innovation and creativity in entrepreneurial ventures.

In light of current global economic and social challenges resulting from a spectrum of factors, including an unpredictable security environment, inflation, soaring energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and the detrimental effect climate change has on communities across the globe, it remains vital to explore the impact such influences have on wealth management in times of global uncertainty.

Furthermore, investments in human capital development can ensure sustainable, long-term economic growth. A highly skilled workforce can contribute towards building an economy resilient to global fluctuations, while arming today’s youth with the skillset and knowledge to confront and respond to future challenges and embrace innovation and opportunities.

Focusses

• The role of wealth management in achieving financial security and prosperity
• The Power of Human Capital in Wealth Creation
• Investing in Youth: A Catalyst for Future Success
• Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Uncertain Times
• Integrating Wealth and Social Responsibility
• Developing a Personalized Wealth Management Plan
• Inspiring the Next Generation of Wealth Managers

Trends Research & Advisory

In cooperation with United Arab Emirates University, the IGCF will be holding a three-day challenge for creative students from across the GCC, who will compete to design and present innovative communications projects: initiatives with broad social payback, vital governmental services, digital portals to facilitate communication between government bodies and the public, and other projects that provide genuine contributions to government communications in the GCC countries.

The 2023 University Challenge will focus on sustainable development in honour of the UAE's Year of Sustainability and of COP 28, which will be held in the country in November 2023. Participating projects may use the various tools, programmes and channels of government communications in the following fields:

• Protecting the terrestrial environment
• Protecting the aquatic environment
• Preserving wildlife
• Preserving water resources
• Preserving air quality
• Relying on clean energy
• Green development
• Strengthening infrastructure
• Developing sanitation
• Waste management
• Reducing carbon emissions
• Reducing electricity consumption

IGCF is organizing the Arabic Language Seminar as part of its commitment to enhancing governments' focus on the native language, as it carries the identity of Arab societies, embodies their culture, and represents their religious emblem.

This seminar continues the efforts of the IGCF to emphasize the significance of the Arabic language by using it across all international platforms and forums.

Through the Arabic Language Seminar, the IGCF provides an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the language, initiatives and efforts to support its presence and preservation, and the role of governments in solidifying its position in the international arena.

• Current challenges around the assessment of the Arabic language
• How do we overcome these current challenges?
• What are the most important initiatives in the Arab world?

• Current challenges about teaching and learning Arabic in schools.
• The current solutions in the Arab market, are they feasible?
• How can we upgrade the system on a large scale "A practical example of Abjadiyat Warabtis"?

Alef Education and The Arabic Language Youth Council -Arab Youth Center

Many countries worldwide have successfully built advanced systems in many sectors that have contributed to achieving their development goals.

Diplomatic communication has a very important role to play in the transmission of these experiences and knowledge both of the challenges involved and the successes that have been achieved, allowing everyone to benefit from them when developing their own development policies that will contribute to growth.

The diplomatic communication platform within the agenda of the International Forum on Government Communication will allow the ambassadors of a number of countries to describe their countries' developmental successes and contribute to international cooperation, partnership-building and the adoption of global best practice.

As nations focus increasingly more on shaping knowledge economies fuelled by thriving and innovative education systems, the role of cross-border diplomacy in exchanging best practices and emerging innovations in education cannot be overstated.

Organised by the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, IGCF’s strategic partners[a], and the emirate’s premier entity responsible for fostering cross-government relations between Sharjah and the world, this special session brings together leading experts from Japan, whose educational system ranked #7 globally in 2021.

Along with leading experts from Sharjah’s top educational institutions, Japanese diplomats will explore avenues of cooperation to share expertise and find new pathways to educating successive generations of youth - future leaders who will lead their respective nations on their continued journeys of growth and prosperity.

This discussion at IGCF will highlight the importance of the field, highlighting the Government of Sharjah's innovative and transformative approach to advancing education in the emirate, making it more inclusive and accessible to students, and the overall cultural importance the emirate places on advancing the sector. It will also underscore the role of education in shaping the future of global economies.

Focusses

• How can dynamic international relations between nations in globalised societies play a role in advancing the education sector?
• Can individual national experiences in advancing education inform and inspire the global education system?
• What role does government communication play in the successful exchange and cooperation in education?
• Do local culture and societal values play a role in advancing education and the uptake of new technological innovations in the sector?
• What are the most prominent examples of the UAE’s and Sharjah’s development in the educational field?
• What are the most prominent examples of Japan's development in the educational field?
• What is the true impact of a forward-thinking, well-equipped and dynamic educational infrastructure on a nation and its people?

In most parts of the world, water is a scarce resource. This might seem strange, because there is so much water on Earth - about 71 percent of the earth’s surface is covered by water. However, freshwater, despite its importance for life, has a history of unequal access and distribution. The crisis has exacerbated with the increase in population, rising poverty and unequal industrial development.

Freshwater resources need to be better managed and distributed to achieve sustainable water security outcomes, namely, economic, environmental, and social. Governments worldwide need to collaborate to ensure that progress made in the water and sanitation sector benefits those who are most in need of these services, in particular the poorest, people living in informal settlements and/or people marginalised on the basis of gender and other grounds.

Government communication will continue to play a key role in driving positive change to make water security a reality for all. This dialogue circle at the International Government Communication Forum will turn the spotlight on Switzerland, a nation blessed with rich water reserves but also has established groundwater protection zones to ensure that the sources remain as clean and untouched as possible. From maintaining quality, the management of water resources and the supply, to risk and disaster management, the session will focus on all pillars of water security and how to attain it.

Focusses

• How can we increase the availability and quality of water?
• How can we reduce the risks from water related disasters?
• Why do some countries have safe tap water to drink (filtration)?
• Why are some countries losing water and what are the strategies that can be used to reverse this? (baseline water stress)

Department of Government Relations , Sharjah

The workshop covers methods of converting written information into interactive visual forms using Infographics production applications

• Basics of infographics
• Effectiveness of visual content
• Infographics production applications

The workshop covers the fundamentals of planning and managing media campaigns using social media, in line with audience profiles, campaign goals, and the medium specifications

• Goals of digital media campaigns
• Campaign content production
• Interaction with audiences
• Measuring campaign effectiveness

University of Sharjah