+ Summary
This summary was generated by artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team at Voice Of Emirates.
- His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi attended the second day of the International Government Communication Forum. The event was under the theme ‘Communication for Quality of Life’.
- Tariq Saeed Allay emphasized in his speech that government communication is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. It also plays a role in improving the quality of life.
- The forum featured a series of inspiring talks. One highlight was Dr. Osama Khatib’s achievements in developing underwater exploration robots.
- The events include more than 110 activities and 51 sessions. They focus on priorities such as food security, public health, and education.
- The forum aims to consolidate the role of strategic communication in guiding policies. It seeks to create a more sustainable future.
Sharjah, UAE – His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, inaugurated the second day of the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) on Thursday. The event, organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau at Expo Centre Sharjah on September 10–11 under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life”, brings together more than 237 speakers from around the world.
Communication as a Pillar of Development and Quality of Life
In his opening remarks, Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, highlighted the pivotal role of government communication in sustainable development and improving quality of life. He stressed that global humanitarian challenges, particularly the food crisis, reveal the urgent need for effective dialogue and collaboration between governments and communities.
Allay emphasized that food crises are less about resource shortages and more about the lack of communication, partnerships, and strategic planning. He pointed out that the UAE and Sharjah have set an exemplary model by placing people at the center of policies and initiatives, turning this principle into a strategic approach that raises the well-being of both individuals and society. He underlined that the forum seeks to provide a global platform. It aims to raise the key question: How can we ensure fairness in quality of life for all?
Inspiring Talks and Future Technologies
The forum featured a series of inspiring keynote addresses. Dr. Oussama Khatib, President of the International Research Organization for Robotics and Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University, shared his team’s groundbreaking work in developing robots capable of deep-sea exploration. These technologies have enabled the discovery of ancient Roman ships dating back over 2,000 years. They also have applications in medicine, marine preservation, space exploration, and lifesaving operations.
Meanwhile, Hilary Yip from Hong Kong spoke about her journey with educational technology, which began at the age of 10. She underscored the importance of using technology in schools to instill values and foster innovation among children. Dr. Karan Rajan, physician and medical content creator, addressed the dangers of health misinformation on social media. He called for responsible digital media to deliver accurate, evidence-based health information to the public.
Rich Program and Wide Participation
The forum’s 14th edition features more than 110 activities and 51 sessions across 22 interactive platforms, with the participation of 30 local, regional, and international partners. The program includes seven inspiring keynotes and 22 workshops. These sessions tackle five global priorities: food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy. They affirm the strategic role of communication in shaping policies and driving collective action towards a more sustainable future. The second day’s opening was attended by senior officials, media leaders, and international experts.
