To catalyse conversations around integrating the youth in the decision-making processes alongside key stakeholders and to ensure that the voices of the youth are properly heard, the ninth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2020) to be held from March 4-5 at Expo Centre Sharjah will host several interactive platforms and brainstorming sessions that serve to emphasise the potential of the youth to become thought leaders, strategists and inspirational role models.

In the presence of 64 leading global thinkers, top government officials and communication experts from the Arab region and around the world, the region’s leading forum on government communication will highlight how young people’s contribution is an important asset in driving the country forward, and integral to building sustainable development and peace in the modern economy.

Amongst the key interactive platforms that will be held at IGCF 2020 are:

Researchers’ Platform

Held on both days of IGCF 2020, the Researchers’ Platform aims to provide knowledge and information on the various aspects of governmental communication based on research, studies, books, references and internationally documented best practices.

It serves as a free platform for media and communication students of UAE universities to discuss their master’s theses and graduation projects on the various aspects of government communication, and also hosts top academics and government communication experts at local and federal entities to discuss the different aspects of government communication and outline their institutional experience in this sector through research papers, studies and worksheets.

Youth Forum – Government Communication and the aspirations of the youth

In collaboration with the Arab Youth Centre and Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, IGCF 2020 will host an interaction between the UAE’s youth and the session’s moderators, Mariam Saeed Al-Naqbi, a Scriptwriter and Presenter, Sharjah Broadcasting Corporation/ Sharqiya Kalba TV; and Marwan Al-Shehhi, TV Presenter at Sama Dubai TV to highlight the role of government communication in supporting and stimulating the aspirations of the youth. The session, which will be held on both days of the forum will shine light on government communication campaigns and key messages that the youth can engage with as well as explore ideas for communication initiatives across the Arab world to prepare the youth for the job market.

Social Media Influencers Cinema

A session, titled ‘Influencers Win the Communication Race’ focusing on the rising influence of social media and the role of influencers in promoting government communication strategies to foster behaviour change in societies will be held on March 4. Speakers include Amy Jo Martin, author of Renegades Write the Rules and host of the podcast Why Not Now?; Fajer Alsaeed, Kuwaiti writer and journalist; and Ali Khaseif Al Hosani, goalkeeper for Al Jazira football club and the UAE national football team.

On the second day of the forum, the platform will host key social media figures and influencers, including Sheikha Dr Alia bint Humaid Al Qassimi, Social Development Expert, Women Leader of the Year (2019), Mustafa Al Agha, Media Sports Personality, and Media Figure Mohammed Al-Mulla, Founder of Online Media Network ‘Diwan AlMulla’.

Live “On Air”  

This interactive session, moderated by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority’s “On Air” programme, showcases a live example of how public communication mechanisms can be employed to better understand the public and their aspirations, as well as to signal the expected level of transparency by government entities in their communication with their audiences.

On March 4 and 5, this session will launch a direct communication channel between the public and representatives from government entities to help gather feedback on key government services and communication mechanisms that can be later considered in the development process of these entities.

Fielding live calls from the public, who will express their views, offer their suggestions, ask questions and receive feedback directly from the relevant officials, this session will be broadcast live on television, radio and social media platforms.

The Platform of Innovations    

This special platform, held on both March 4 and 5, will showcase models of the new technological developments such as Artificial Intelligence that are emerging as the new face of communication and will explain the way in which they operate and reveal their potential so that visitors are better informed about the changes new technologies can bring, not only to the field of media and communication, but also to other areas in life.

Sharjah World Book Capital Platform

Held in collaboration with the office of Sharjah World Book Capital 2019, this platform will celebrate the achievements of a successful year thus far as well as highlight what is to come.

Held on March 5, this platform will provide in-depth understanding of the projects and initiatives that were launched and also enable visitors to learn more about the Sharjah entities and their local and international partners and how they are empowering the local community and developing the publishing sector through reading and knowledge.

“Free Your Mind” Studio                    

In line with the event’s overall theme and vision, and its emphasis on individual and societal well-being, the ‘Free Your Mind’ studio-style session will provide special mind and body exercises, with a focus on proper breathing techniques, under the supervision of specialised coaches.

The studio will be open during the two days of the forum.

Leap of Success Platform                   

To be held on March 5, this platform is a space for sharing knowledge gained through life experiences, culminating in exceptional success stories. It is an opportunity for the audience to have open conversations with successful influencers and gain better understanding of the secrets behind their accomplishments.