Alongside the eighth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2019)’s main sessions, the Sharjah Youth Council held its second Sharjah Youth Forum under the theme ‘Future Sharjah’. The Sharjah Youth Forum, which falls under the federal Emirates Youth Council, seeks to build effective communication between the youth and the government through the creation of interactive platforms that bring Sharjah’s youth and decision-makers together with the aim of engaging the youth and activating their roles across various fields.

Encouraging open dialogue and communication, this year’s forum welcomed more than 50 young men and women, aged 15 to 35, asking them to share their ideas on what a ‘Future Sharjah’ would look like across five main areas: education, health, employment, urban planning, and government services.

“We received hundreds of online applications, which proves the youth’s interest in playing an active role in Sharjah’s future,” Noura Al Midfa, a member of the Sharjah Youth Council, explained. “The main goal behind this session was to ask the youth what they would like Sharjah to look like in thirty years’ time across the fields of education, health, employment, urban planning, and government services. Their ideas will then be presented to prominent community leaders, who will help to make some of the more plausible ideas a reality in the future.”

One of the forum’s participants, Azza Al Kitbi, made the decision to register for the event when she found out that she would not be able to complete her education in Sharjah. “This is the first time I’m attending the forum. I came because I am doing my Master’s in Physical Therapy, and I found out that I would not be able to complete my PhD at any university in Sharjah. I decided to take action. Coming to this forum and voicing my suggestions gives me a chance to play an active role in improving Sharjah. I am confident that the leaders who hear our thoughts tomorrow will help us effect these changes to create a ‘Future Sharjah’ that’s great for all.”

Organised by the International Government Communication Centre, IGCF 2019 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The 2-day event held at Expo Centre Sharjah runs under the theme ‘Behavioural Change Towards Human Development’, and has brought together prominent figures, top officials, thought leaders and government communication experts from around the world to discuss and explore international best practices.