SHARJAH, 12th September, 2023 (WAM) — Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC), the 12th annual International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2023) is set to convene tomorrow (Wednesday) under the theme 'Today's Resources… Tomorrow's Wealth' in Expo Centre Sharjah.
Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), IGCF 2023 brings together the experiences and expertise of more than 250 thought leaders, thinkers and experts in government communication, both at local and international levels. They will be leading over 90 main discussions, side sessions, inspiring speeches, seminars, programmes and activities on 14 stages in collaboration with 35 local, regional and international partners.
The two-day event will underscore the role of government communication in managing and optimising a country's resources, over 4 main pillars – natural resources; non-material resources of culture, arts, sports, and human capital; technology and data, the wealth of our era. The forum will also explore government communication’s role in identifying and optimising sources of future wealth.
In its 12th edition, IGCF will also promote a comprehensive developmental culture, with a focus on individual well-being and strengthening communities' resilience by offering the practical ideas and insights from distinguished speakers, including Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Chairperson of the Emirates Food Security Council; Frank Caprio, the world famous US judge known as "The Nicest Judge in the World"; David Daokui Li, a prominent Chinese economist and the Director of the Center for China in the World Economy (CCWE) at Tsinghua University; Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi, GCC Chief Negotiator – FTA Negotiation; Dr. Osama Kamal, former Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Dr. Ayman Ayyash, Chairman of the Royal Commission for the Mining Sector, Jordan.
Optimal resource investment
Over the course of two days, IGCF 2023 will highlight the importance of strengthening partnerships between countries to achieve optimal resource investment and utilisation. It will shine light on successful global experiences and practices in resource investment, such as food and water security and the adoption of green energy sources. The forum will also explore the significance of non-material wealth for societies, including human and cultural wealth encompassing heritage, arts, sciences, talents, education, and technologies, while emphasising the role of government communication in defining these assets' concepts, highlighting their value and impact on development.
IGCF will also address the challenges and solutions in building and preserving these forms of wealth, and demonstrate ways in which society can transform them into a key fuel for socioeconomic progress.