Sharjah 24: At the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) 2024, TRENDS Research and Advisory discussed the future of government communication amidst the new wave of personal interaction and augmented reality technologies. It also highlighted the pivotal roles of scientific research and think tanks in supporting government communication. This took place during two symposia organized by TRENDS at its pavilion on the first day of the forum, which is hosted by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
On the first day of the forum, in which TRENDS participated as a strategic partner, the center organized two symposia titled “Beyond the Virtual World: The Future of Government Communication in Light of the New Wave of Personal Interaction and Augmented Reality Technologies,” and “The Role of Scientific Research and Think Tanks in Supporting Government Communication”.
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the SGMB, honored TRENDS Research and Advisory for being a strategic partner of the 13th edition of the IGCF 2024 and for its active contribution to the forum with research papers, symposia, and discussion sessions.
Beyond the Virtual World
Participants in the first symposium, titled “Beyond the Virtual World: The Future of Government Communication in Light of the New Wave of Personal Interaction and Augmented Reality Technologies,” emphasized that the dynamics of government communication are undergoing a radical transformation in light of a rapidly evolving digital world. After a period of heavy reliance on the virtual world, a new wave of personal interaction, supported by augmented reality technologies, is providing innovative ways to communicate and engage.
The symposium, moderated by Abrar Al-Ali, a researcher and opinion polls specialist at TRENDS, featured a distinguished panel of academics and experts, including Dr. Galal Hatem, Chancellor of Umm Al Quwain University; Muna Busamra, Director of Dubai Media Academy; and Moez Mokaddem, Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Political Information, Tunisia.
The symposium aimed to explore the future of government communication in light of this new wave and discussed how governments can leverage personal interaction and augmented reality technologies to enhance communication with the public, improve public services, and build trust and transparency. It also addressed the challenges governments may face in this transition and how to overcome them through the use of innovative strategies.
Promoting Economic Innovation
Participants in the symposium noted that government communication plays a positive role in driving innovation, managing economic crises, fostering economic innovation, boosting space economy, promoting innovation in the metals and rare metals economy, and ensuring integration of overlapping economic fields for sustainable development.
They stated that government communication is set to play a pivotal future role in driving innovation and managing economic crises in the UAE. This will be achieved through the use of advanced communication technologies, enhancing transparency and trust through blockchain technology, supporting a global innovation ecosystem, proactive crisis management, building resilience, real-time crisis response and digital literacy.
They noted that the UAE has become a global model for effective government communication, as evidenced by international indicators. For instance, officials being present on social media platforms to announce various community and economic initiatives is a clear indication that the culture of social communication is deeply rooted in the UAE society.
Supporting Communication Mechanisms
In the second symposium, titled “The Role of Scientific Research and Think Tanks in Supporting Government Communication,” speakers emphasized that in an era defined by the availability of information, scientific research and think tanks are essential in developing effective government communication strategies. Research helps in understanding and anticipating public needs, assessing the effectiveness of media campaigns, and identifying and developing the best innovative communication tools.
The symposium, moderated by Ali Abdullah Al-Ali, researcher and Director of TRENDS Dubai Department, featured a distinguished group of academics, researchers, and specialists, including Dr. Osama El Gohary, Prime Minister Assistant and Chairman of the Information and Decision Support Center, Egypt; Prof. João Bosco Monte, President of the Brazil Africa Institute; Dr. Noura Alkarbi, Associate Professor, Chair of Research Outreach Department, University of Sharjah; Dr. Soumaya Abdellatif, Head of Sociology Department, Ajman University; Sherif Bendary, Senior Vice President - Public Policy, Moharram & Partners for Public Affairs and Strategic Communications; and Sultan Majed, Deputy Head of TRENDS Dubai Sector and Director of Global Barometer Department, TRENDS.
Enlightening Public Opinion
Participants in the symposium pointed out that government communication has become one of the most important research programs for think tanks and research institutions in the changing digital age. This places significant responsibilities on them to play broader roles in enlightening public opinion and providing accurate information to counter misinformation and incorrect ideas.
They stressed that adapting modern mechanisms and applying advanced thinking are necessary to enhance constructive government communication channels. This ensures meaningful interaction and societal dialogue with various segments of the population, in addition to utilizing social media platforms to communicate societal messages about government achievements and ongoing and future projects, keeping citizens informed of governmental developments.
They mentioned that effective partnerships and purposeful collaboration between academic institutions and think tanks play a crucial role in knowledge transfer. The academic and research expertise within these entities can produce research, studies and opinion polls that guide societies and measure the need for developing government communication mechanisms.
A Lifeline Between Government and Society
The participants added that think tanks play a crucial role as the link between the government and society. Therefore, building awareness and knowledge on misleading news is very important for both parties. This role should be expanded by think tanks, relying on various methods such as opinion polls and field studies, which provide important indicators that can strengthen government communication processes.
The speakers also presented the results of a recent TRENDS poll which targeted citizens and residents in the UAE. The poll measured public satisfaction, trust, and awareness regarding government communication. The results revealed that 73% of respondents were satisfied with the level of transparency in government communication concerning public policies, and 83% believed that government communication should prioritize providing accurate information to the public in a timely manner.
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