SHARJAH, 31st August, 2023 (WAM) – Keeping in mind the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) and other transformative technologies of our era in our lives and economy, the 12th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) will turn the spotlight on one of the most interesting questions of our time: what is national wealth in the era of AI?
Global technology, innovation and telecommunications experts, cybersecurity leaders and senior government communication professionals from around the world will come together at the two-day forum on 13th and 14th September, in Expo Centre Sharjah, to discuss the emerging perspectives and fresh interpretations of what really should be considered, sustainably invested in, utilised and preserved as “national wealth”.
Several panel sessions, inspiring speeches, seven targeted workshops and a first-of-its-kind AI Camp have been designed to boost attendees' understanding, offer insight and promote the exchange of fresh ideas, particularly in the context of the role of government communications. This part of the forum, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) will enable attendees to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing advanced sectors and ways to effectively and sustainably invest in them.
Robot Ethics: Asimov's Predictions
A distinguished panel featuring Jean Koh, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Digital Platform Government, South Korea; Phaedra Buenodris, Author of AI for the Rest of Us and co-founder of the Future World Alliance; Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security of the UAE Government will lead a discussion titled "Robot Ethics… Asimov's Predictions".
The session will discuss how governments can play a more critical role in helping design the ethics systems programmed for robots and create innovations and platforms within their mechanisms to better connect with and serve citizens in the era of AI. Whether or not national laws should regulate AI ethics, the ethical considerations we must bear in mind when discussing AI, and the role government communicators will play in defining these for the people and creating acceptance are some of the interesting questions that the discussion will tackle and demand answers from experts.
Power of AI in Digital Era
Abdulla Alsharhan, Director of Creativity and Corporate Identity, at the Sharjah Media City (Shams) will deliver an inspiring speech titled "The power of artificial intelligence and the enhancement of communication in the digital era" at the Gov. Talks platform.
Abdulla’s expert insights will inform audiences on AI's growing role and impact on various industries, ways to improve government communications, intellectual property rights challenges in light of AI, and the future direction for all these sectors.
First-of-its-Kind Camp in UAE
The Artificial Intelligence Skills Camp (AISC) will offer the first creative environment of its kind in the UAE to impart practical AI skills to school students. Members of Sharjah’s Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators and members of the Ithmar programme by Sharjah Press Club, aged 12 to 17 years, will attend the camp organised in partnership with the Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF). Students will design projects at four competitions during the camp and pitch them to the jury of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA), who will select the winning project.
AI: Ethics, Communication and Technology
The organisers have announced a robust pre-forum agenda, which will host seven hands-on and interactive workshops starting 4th September. In this agenda is the COMMS programme, which will upskill media and communication students and aspiring and established government communicators through training sessions based on the pillars of Ethics and Professionalism, Communications and Technical.
Running until 7th September, the pre-forum COMMS programme will cover key topics such as "Artificial Intelligence For Good: How AI is Helping Governments Manage Resources in Knowledge and Education", "Ethical and Legal Aspects of the Use of Artificial Intelligence Applications", "Generative AI and its Application in Media Industry", "Using Artificial Intelligence to Create Government Communication Content", "Media Coverage for Sustainability and Climate Change Issues", "Uses of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Journalism and Media" and "Effectiveness of using social media in Government Communication".
Themed "Today’s Resources. Tomorrow’s Wealth", IGCF 2023 will shine a light on the role of government communication in raising awareness and instilling a culture regarding resources and emphasising their value and importance for societies and future generations. The specialised sessions on technology and AI have been designed to inspire fresh perspectives, innovative new ideas, and adaptability to change about owning and investing in the resources of the current era, including data and advanced technologies.