Sharjah 24: The 10th edition of the International Government Communication Forum, to be held from September 26-27 at Expo Centre Sharjah, will host two vital brainstorming sessions to catalyse conversations around the lessons learned from key government communication strategies over the years, and determine the expertise required to cope with future demand.

In the presence of leading global thinkers, top government officials and communication experts from the Arab region and around the world, the two panel discussions at the region’s leading forum on government communication will highlight the vital questions that government communication experts are seeking answers to develop a blueprint for an effective communication model. at the two-day event. 

Updating, diversifying government communication teams 
Exploring the potential for collaboration between various disciplines to enhance government communication in future, a panel discussion on September 26 titled, ‘The efficacy of communication messages - A cross-disciplinary collaboration involving behavioural science and data analytics’, will look closely at the changes resulting from digital transformation and the challenges and opportunities it has since thrown up.  

The session will also address how to integrate new sciences into communication departments, and how to develop a general framework for the needs of current and future government communication professionals to achieve an effective level of public communication by involving experts from a variety of fields.

The distinguished panel includes His Excellency Saeed Mohammad AlEter, Head of the UAE Government Media Office, and Director General of the Executive Office in Dubai, who developed the Federal Government’s general communication strategy and championed the development of strategic government communication guidelines within the UAE Government; His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Maghlouth, Acting Minister of Media and Director General of the Center for Government Communication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and David Halpern, Chief Executive of Behavioural Insights Team, a UK-based global consulting firm. 

The session will be moderated by Badriyah Al Bishr, an award-winning Saudi author and researcher.

Future-proofing government communication tools
‘The future relevance of government communication tools: An assessment’, a key panel discussion to be held on September 27 as part of the main programming agenda at IGCF 2021, will host His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; His Excellency Eng. Sakher Marwan Dudin, Jordan’s Minister of State for Media Affairs, His Excellency Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former President of Estonia (2006-2016); and Sir Craig Oliver, veteran British editor, producer and media executive, who served as Director of Politics and Communication for former British Prime Minister David Cameron. Pulse 95 presenter, Sally Mousa, will moderate the session.

Al Olama, who is also the Managing Director of the World Government Summit and spearheads UAE’s efforts to grow into a global leader in the digital economy, will lead an expert assessment of the commonly used tools and platforms, and highlight opportunities and challenges in government communication.

The question that government communication teams face globally is whether they have the right structure in place for a modern communications function, and do they have the latest tools and guidance to evaluate the situation effectively.

Over the years, though the communications profession has changed dramatically, this question remains valid and is one all government communicators should regularly ask themselves. As a function and profession, government communication practices need to constantly evolve, anticipate and keep pace with technological change, be audience-focused and demonstrate its effectiveness. This discussion will attempt to provide a blueprint for shaping such an effective and future ready government communications strategy.

The two-day global summit, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, will be headlined by global communication experts who will offer insights to boost the readiness of government communication teams for future challenges resulting from unpredictable global scenarios. 

Since its inception in 2012, the IGCF has been successful in enhancing government communication in the UAE and the Arab world and developing communication channels between governments and communities.