Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: WAM
Sharjah is preparing to host the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) on September 10 and 11, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah. This important event will bring together leaders and experts from around the world to talk about how communication can help solve major problems in society and improve people’s lives.
Theme Focuses on Better Living for All
This year, the forum is based on the theme "Communication for Quality of Life." The goal is to show how good communication by governments and organisations can improve food, health, education, and the environment. These areas are key to making life better for everyone, especially in today’s fast-changing world.
Forum Will Have Over 22 Interactive Sessions
The event will include more than 22 interactive platforms, where people can attend discussions, workshops, and talks. These sessions are planned to help everyone understand how communication can be a strong tool in facing global challenges. It will also be a place where new ideas and solutions can be shared.
Organised by Sharjah Government Media Bureau
The IGCF is being organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB). The forum has grown into a global event that gathers policy-makers, communication experts, innovators, and young minds to discuss important issues. The event started in 2012 and has become one of the most well-known gatherings in this field.
Focus on Food Security
A major focus this year will be food security. The forum will discuss how communication can help inform people about food systems, encourage smart farming, and protect biodiversity. These are important because millions of people around the world do not have enough food to eat.
Global Hunger Is Rising
The United Nations says that over 670 million people may face hunger by 2030, with 258 million already suffering from severe food shortages. These big numbers show the urgent need for better public awareness. Communication can help by spreading messages on how to grow, store, and use food more efficiently.
Health Awareness Through Communication
The forum will also look at how health crises can become chances for positive change. It will explore how communication can help people understand health risks and take steps to stay healthy. This is very important, especially because the World Health Organisation says that 45% of children under five die because of malnutrition.
A Tool for Better Lives
Alia Al Suwaidi, who is the Director of SGMB, explained that communication is not just about giving information. It is a powerful tool that can help in making the world a better place. She said the forum is encouraging people to think differently about communication—to see it as a way to solve environmental, social, and economic problems.
Education for the Future
Another major topic at IGCF 2025 will be education. The forum will highlight how schools can prepare students with future skills. These skills include learning about sustainable farming, new technologies, and climate action. With the right education, young people will be better prepared to solve the challenges of tomorrow.
Encouraging Sustainable Living
The forum will also show how government messages can change how people live in cities. For example, governments can run public campaigns that teach people how to reduce waste, use fewer resources, and live in ways that are better for the environment.
Global Food Waste Is a Big Problem
Data shows that 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year. This is about 31% of all food produced globally. At the same time, millions of people go hungry. This shows the need for strong government messages that not only inform but also inspire people to act differently.
The Power of Storytelling
The forum will discuss the importance of storytelling in government communication. Sharing real stories with human emotions and clear messages can build public trust. People connect better with stories than with just facts and numbers. This method helps governments reach people’s hearts and encourage positive behaviour changes.
Green Economy and Sustainability
IGCF 2025 will also explore how green economy projects can support food systems and improve life. This includes using low-emission farming technologies, which can help cut carbon emissions by 30% by 2050. The idea is to grow food in a way that is good for both people and the planet.
Economic Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture
Studies by the United Nations show that every dollar spent on sustainable agriculture can bring back 2.5 times the value in economic and social benefits. This means that helping farmers use better methods does not just protect the environment, it also helps the economy.
Job Creation Through Green Economy
The forum will also talk about how the green economy can create new jobs. Experts say that by 2030, over 24 million jobs could be created worldwide in green industries like clean energy, eco-friendly transport, and sustainable agriculture. This shows how communication can support both environmental and economic progress.
Bringing People Together for Solutions
At its heart, IGCF 2025 is a platform to bring together governments, companies, students, and the public to discuss big problems and find real answers. It encourages new ways of thinking, working together, and using communication to build a better, safer, and fairer world for all.
Communication as a Driver of Change
The International Government Communication Forum 2025 will show how communication plays a key role in improving food security, public health, education, environmental protection, and green economic growth. By sharing ideas and learning from one another, governments and societies can use communication as a strong driver of positive change in the lives of people around the world.
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