TRENDS launches a research study at IGCF 2024

TRENDS is participating as a strategic partner for the 13th edition of the event, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau under the theme “Agile Governments... Innovative Communication”. The Forum will be held on September 4-5, 2024, at Expo Sharjah, with the participation of a distinguished group of decision-makers, thought leaders, academics, experts and specialists from around the world.

TRENDS will set up a dedicated knowledge pavilion in Hall 7, equipped with advanced technology that leverages artificial intelligence. The pavilion will host symposiums and panel discussions throughout the Forum and will also feature the Podcast Studio, which aims to record new episodes of the Trending Echoes series with key figures participating in the Forum.

Increasing Global Challenges

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, emphasized that the International Government Communication Forum is an important hub for scientific and intellectual interaction. This edition coincides with rapid transformations and increasing global challenges. He added that the participation of think tanks and research institutions as key strategic contributors enhances the Forum’s strength and impact.

Dr. Al Ali stated that think tanks and research institutions are drivers of innovation and deep thinking, providing scientific analyses and strategic insights that inform discussions and shape flexible and evolving government communication policies. He noted that TRENDS’ contribution to the Forum aims to enhance the capability to understand increasing global challenges from multiple perspectives and to innovate effective solutions that support sustainable development.

He further explained that research institutions provide accurate information and analytical tools that help in developing communication strategies based on scientific and objective foundations. This makes their participation in the Forum a valuable addition and a pivotal step towards achieving more effective and creative government communication, offering an opportunity for shared thinking and innovation.

The Future of Government Communication

TRENDS’ program at the Forum includes several symposiums and sessions. It will kick off its activities on September 4, 2024, with a symposium titled “Beyond the Virtual World: The Future of Government Communication in Light of the New Wave of Personal Interaction and Augmented Reality Technologies”. This symposium will discuss the impact of augmented reality technologies on improving public services and the future opportunities for developing and enhancing government communication using advanced technologies.

The symposium will feature a distinguished group of academics and experts, including Dr. Galal Hatem, Chancellor of Umm Al Quwain University, Mona BuSamra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, Dr. Diaa Rashwan, Chairman of the State Information Service in Egypt, and Dr. Moez Lidinallah Mokaddem, Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Political Information, Tunisia. The discussions will be moderated by Abrar Al Ali, a researcher and opinion polls specialist at TRENDS.

Enhancing Communication Effectiveness

On the first day of the Forum, September 4, 2024, the Center will host a second symposium titled “The Role of Scientific Research and Think Tanks in Supporting Government Communication Mechanisms”. This symposium will focus on how to use the results of scientific research to enhance the effectiveness of communication between the government and the public, and the importance of collaboration between academic circles and government entities in developing communication policies.

The symposium will feature a group of academics, researchers and specialists, including Dr. Osama El-Gohary, Prime Minister Assistant and Chairman of the Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), Egypt; Professor João Bosco Monte, President of the Brazil Africa Institute; Dr. Noura Al-Karbi, Associate Professor and Chair of Research Outreach Department at the University of Sharjah; Dr. Soumaya Abdellatif, Head of Sociology Department at Ajman University; Sherif Bendary, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at Moharram & Partners Holding Group for Public Affairs and Strategic Communications; and Sultan Majed, Deputy Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector and Director of Global Barometer Department at TRENDS. The symposium will be moderated by Ali Abdullah Al Ali, Researcher and Director of TRENDS Dubai Department.

With a view to expanding its base of strategic partners, TRENDS will sign a cooperation agreement with the Dubai Media Academy, as well as a partnership agreement with the University of Khorfakkan, aimed at enhancing cooperation and partnership with academic institutions.

The Future of Media

On the second day of the International Government Communication Forum, September 5, 2024, TRENDS will organize a symposium titled “The Future of Media in the Era of Agile Governments.. Challenges and Opportunities” at its pavilion in Hall 7 at the Expo Sharjah Center. The symposium will explore the impact of digital transformation on traditional media business models, how to combat the spread of fake news and misinformation, and the role of media in promoting government transparency and accountability.

This symposium will feature a group of experts, media professionals and specialists, including Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory; H.E. Jamal Al Suwaider, Executive Director of News Content Sector at the Emirates News Agency; H.E. Mohammed Ghanim Mustafa, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Broadcasting Authority; Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center; Dr. Nabil Al-Khatib, General Manager of Asharq News Services; and Dr. Moustafa Moharram, Founder of Moharram & Partners Holding Group for Public Affairs and Strategic Communications. The symposium will be moderated by Maryam Aljneibi, researcher at the Global Barometer Department at TRENDS.

Asian Resilience
As part of TRENDS’ activities at the International Government Communication Forum, the Center will launch a study titled “Asian Resilience: Learning from Singapore’s Experience to Enhance Government Resilience in the Age of Crises”. The launch will be followed by a panel discussion on the study’s findings and recommendations, presented by Sultan Al-Rubaei, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of Research Sector at the Center. Additionally, Sultan Majed Al Ali, Researcher, Deputy Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector and Director of the Global Barometer Department, will showcase TRENDS’ initiatives in support of scientific research efforts on the Researchers’ Platform at Expo Sharjah.