Sharjah 24: The final day of the 13th International Government Communication Forum featured a series of inspiring talks on innovation, climate action, and civic engagement, as part of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) speeches during the forum. International speakers, including ministers and government officials, revealed eye-opening, transformative initiatives in their countries that address global challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and improving government transparency.
Tuvalu may become world’s First Digital Nation
Minister for Transport, Energy, Communications, and Innovation of the Pacific Island of Tuvalu, Simon Robert Kofe, introduced the island nation’s ambitious plan to become the world’s first “digital nation,” a revolutionary concept aimed at preserving Tuvalu’s identity in the face of rising sea levels.
“As our land disappears, so too does our sovereignty, but through technology, we can protect our culture and statehood,” Kofe explained. The project, launched at COP27 in 2022, includes creating a digital twin of Tuvalu’s land and using blockchain to establish a digital passport system. Kofe highlighted how Tuvalu has already integrated this concept into its legal framework, with 12 nations recognising its digital statehood, ensuring that Tuvalu remains a sovereign entity even if the islands are submerged.
Kofe’s call to action for global leaders was clear: “We can’t stop the tides, but we can preserve our nation’s spirit and identity for future generations.” He urged world leaders to act decisively on climate change, pointing out that Tuvalu’s fate serves as a stark reminder of the global urgency to combat the world’s biggest concern.
Nigeria app creates government accountability through citizens
Mukhtar Ahmed, Commissioner of the Planning and Budget Commission in Kaduna State, Nigeria, highlighted the success of their CityFeed app, which empowers citizens to monitor government projects in real-time. They become active participants in governance, providing real-time feedback on the state of local hospitals, schools, and community services.
“The app has transformed how citizens interact with the government, enabling them to report on everything from unfinished roads to abandoned hospitals,” Ahmed said. Since its launch, CityFeed has helped Kaduna complete over 500 schools and reduce the rate of home births from 78% to 48% in just two years. More than a tool, the app is a direct line of accountability, fostering trust between citizens and the government, the official noted.
Jordan’s ‘For a Drop of Water’ initiative combats water scarcity
Jordan’s ‘For a Drop of Water’ awareness campaign, launched in March 2024 seeks to optimise household water efficiency, foster conservation, and reshape consumption habits. Omar Salama, Assistant Secretary-General of Media Affairs at the Water Authority of Jordan, emphasised the critical role of private sector partnerships in driving these efforts, highlighting the economic implications of water usage for both the state and its citizens.
Facing the challenges of extreme water scarcity, with a population that has surged from 5 million to over 11 million in just 15 years, Jordan prioritises stringent water quality standards exceeding those of the US FDA and WHO. Notably, around 65% of household water is utilised in kitchens and bathrooms, significantly surpassing the global average by 25%.
The inspiring initiatives from the governments of Jordan, Nigeria, and Tuvalu have been shortlisted for the prestigious Sharjah Government Communication Award. The forum also featured speeches by other nominees including ‘Mega Green Accelerators’ by PepsiCo, ‘Sustainability at the Heart of Al Futtaim’s Strategy’ by Al Futtaim Group, and ‘Emirates Nature-WWF (World Wildlife Fund).’
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