Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) was officially inaugurated on March 22, 2017 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Keeping in view different current issues confronting with sustainable development, climate change, public-private partnership, community development, and the last but not the least effective communication strategies, the IGCF 2017 has achieved great recognition by discussing all the issues on day one of the prestigious IGCF 2017. Indeed it has become above skies and skies are not limit to IGCF 2017.
Main Theme of IGCF 2017
Its theme “Societal Participation…Comprehensive Development‟, IGCF 2017 examined how nations around the globe can leverage effective government communication to achieve the United Nations‟ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have become the top priority of government programs, international institutions, media organisations and civil society. It led the ways to achieve all these goals of human prosperity, socio-economic development, peace, harmony, sustainable development, women empowerment and the last but not the least, dreams of a “qualitative life”. IGCF 2017 has become an icon with a concrete blue print to move forward.
Transparent Platform
IGCF 2017 offered a transparent platform to examine current issues and formulate recommendations to help governments optimise the impact of their communications. More than 2,500 local and international personalities from the ranks of government officials, experts, thought leaders, and government communication professionals graced the IGCF 2017. It was a great success in all respects.
Prominent Speakers
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, and HE Ali Ahmadov, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan delivered keynotes speeches and highlighted the importance of IGCF. They all labelled IGCF 2017 “a strategic way forward”, “a role model”, and “an ideal platform” to achieve all goals of United Nations‟ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dignified Guests
HE Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), HE Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of Sharjah Art Foundation, Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Head of Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of HH Sharjah Ruler’s Office, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Department of Government Relations, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Suburbs and Villages Affairs, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah International Airport Authority and Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Thani, Director of Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation were graced the day one of the IGCF 2017. It clearly showed His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah strategic vision and strong commitments to maintain high standards of communication between the different departments of Sharjah and its people.
HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi
HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi emphasised the role of education and development in the growth of the Emirate of Sharjah. He highlighted different stages of its Emirate socio-economic development and showcased miraculous transformation during the last 32 years.
Miraculous Transformation
The first children’s centre in the UAE was built in Sharjah 32 years ago. The University City of Sharjah was established 12 years later. The generation that accompanied these projects is now an integral part of society. He expressed his happiness at the Forum’s theme that called for societal participation and commended the organisers for their efforts in including all segments of society and the UAE population, within the scope of this year’s Forum.
“Today, we welcome around 5,500 pupils and approximately 1,200 students annually graduate across 350 masters and 120 PhD programmes. In addition, we are increasingly interested in focusing our efforts on scientific research, and have therefore allocated US$120 million for this purpose, he elaborated”.
Importance of Sustainable Development
During his remarkable speech, he spoke high about the theme of comprehensive development. He defined sustainable development as the prioritisation of humanity over the being, which would allow progress to carry on beyond the life of a single being. Development should revolve around the family as a central unit, as well as the individual across different stages of life from childhood, to adolescence, to old age, he stressed. He lamented the lack of societal participation necessary for sustainable development. Role of People in Societal Development.
Addressing the theme of Societal Participation and Comprehensive Development, HH the Ruler of Sharjah said that for true societal development, humans must be the source and core focus of such inclusive development, regardless of ethnicity and background. He also emphasised the need for health insurance for all segments of the population, especially the elderly, to ensure their continued care as the nation moves ahead.
Afterward, HH the Ruler of Sharjah went around the venue to visit various media stands and workshops and interacted with their representatives and experts.
Launching of International Government Communication Centre
During day one, HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, launched the International Government Communication Centre, a first-of-its-kind academic establishment that will serve as a local, regional, and international reference point for government communications. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi also announced the establishment of a Government Communication Fund which was derived from the UAE‟s Year of Giving initiative.
Need to Change the Mind-Set
He called on the audience to keep in mind the countless bloody events that the world is currently witnessing, the obstacles they generate, and of the important need to transform them into opportunities. He encouraged all stakeholders to closely follow and benefit from the outcomes and recommendations of the sixth edition of IGCF.
Azerbaijan: A Dynamic Country
Speaking on behalf of HE Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, the guest of honour at the inaugural event, HE Ali Ahmadov, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, expressed his delight at the opportunity to attend the important Forum. He commended the Emirate of Sharjah, and the wider UAE, on hosting the prestigious event, and voiced his concern on international issues such as famine, poverty, disease, inequality, environmental imbalance, and terrorism that have captured the attention of a worldwide audience.
He underlined the significance of such events and activities that bring together governments and nations, to coordinate their efforts in finding solutions to international issues, with communication at the core of this synchronisation. He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts, as an oil exporter and in light of recent fluctuations, to diversify its economy and step up its global status. He stressed the need for nations across the world to focus on sustainable development, and identify how to contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
First Session:
Government Communication and United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs)
The importance of government communication in achieving the United Nations‟ sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the GCC region was the main theme of a top panel at the first session of the sixth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017). It thoroughly discussed the different aspects of government communications to achieve the end goal i.e. UNO SDGs. It suggested certain guidelines to be implemented to achieve dreams of a qualitative life.
Communication for Development (C4D) and Community Partnership
In the session, titled, Communication for Development (C4D) and Community Partnership‟, the panel discussed the importance of communication between government and society in the region’s journey towards sustainable development, prosperity and positive change. They were all of the opinion that transparency between government and society stimulated high level of trust which would gear sustainable development.
GCC’s Pursuits of Sustainable Development
Speaking first, His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), said: “We can be proud of our sustainable development efforts in the GCC region. He termed communication and information as knowledge. We have transcended from the mere conveyance of information, and all stakeholders are aware of the comprehensive collaboration we believe in. We need clear vision and leadership from the leaders of the GCC countries to create this enabling environment. We want prosperity, and our means and objective is the citizen, he added.
UAE Minister of Community Development
Her Excellency Najla bint Mohammad Al Awar, UAE Minister of Community Development, spoke about the tools of communication that the UAE government is implementing.
“Government communication has diverse channels for positive change and community development. All the initiatives we have launched as a ministry or government including social media, councils, field visits and forums such as this one have been a result of government communication, she added”.
Matching the Needs of Society and Concerns of Citizens
She said: “The purpose of all these are to address the needs of society and the concerns of citizens. The government that only gives but does not receive lives in isolation and will never achieve development. True development occurs when the government listens to society and hears what it has to say, and this is why, since my appointment; we have created new channels for society to communicate. Our leadership has mandated us as ministers to go into the field and listen to the people.”
Empowerment of Emiratis
Najla Al Midfa, General Manager of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), highlighted the importance of communication in empowering the region’s youth. She also showcased different on-going policies and programs for the further empowerment of Emiratis at large. She said “The topic of youth in the MENA region is not new, as 60 per cent of Arabs are under the age of 30 and the region has 30 per cent youth unemployment the highest in the world. It paints a bleak picture but also gives the region the opportunity to reap the youth dividend. Sheraa contributed to Sharjah’s economic development and the UAE‟s knowledge-based economy through working with the youth, she elaborated”.
Need of Paradigm Shift
She suggested creating a change in mind-set as the youth still prefer government jobs and also have a fear of failure as entrepreneurs. In the pursuit of this goal, we have created an incubator within American University of Sharjah that allows us to interact with the students in a transparent and welcoming environment. This gives them a sense of agency, of creating their own future.”
Strategic Importance of Communication
Kailash Satyarthi, acclaimed children rights‟ activist and joint 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner, first highlighted his enlightening pre-forum discussions with His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi. He added: “Communication is very important, not just for commerce or for advertisements or entertainment but also for development. Communication should reach out to the last person of society. Everything has to be designed to be participatory and accountable.”
Dr. Sultan Al-Nuaimi
The session was moderated by Dr. Sultan Al-Nuaimi, an academic and researcher in political affairs. The UN‟s Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) are a set of 17 global goals with 169 targets, aimed at transforming the world through ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030.
UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs
Her Excellency Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, also attended a special youth circle titled „The Role of Government Communication in Motivating Youth to Participate in the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals‟.
Organised by Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), in collaboration with the Emirates Youth Council, on the first day of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) currently underway at the Expo Centre Sharjah, the panel discussion drew the participation of more than 30 people in the 15 to 30-year age group from diverse specialisations.
Collaboration with Youth
The panel discussion was moderated by Doaa Al Hammadi, a journalist at Sama Dubai TV. Building on the IGCF‟s theme “Societal Participation…Comprehensive Development‟, Her Excellency Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrouei, who is also the Chairperson of the Emirates Youth Council, said at the beginning of the session: “Sustainable development can be achieved when governments and officials collaborate with the youth to enhance their role and engage youngsters in advancing development policies.”
She encouraged young people to share their opinions on ways to develop government communication tools to achieve better results with regard to societal participation. She noted that youth councils in the country today are building a unified online platform that engages the youth with different government departments and entities. Aiming to maximise its reach among youth segments, the platform will ensure that all government initiatives are communicated to the youth.
Befitting Government’s Communication Strategies
Participants pointed out that government communication enables government entities and diverse social segments to understand one another’s points of view and act proactively to achieve sustainable development. They added that today social media channels offer significant opportunities to look at and replicate leading international experiences locally in engaging the youth in development initiatives.
Evolving Global Socio-Economic Landscape
Speakers also highlighted that in a rapidly evolving global socio-economic landscape, where change is the norm, it is imperative that the youth of any country must demonstrate responsible social behaviour and proactively ensure that society and the country at large are shielded from any negative impact as a result of these changes.
Better Knowledge of Multiculturalism
The participants pointed out that there is an imbalance in the selection of targeted groups in government communication today. They suggested that government bodies should understand the social, cultural and economic environment of the groups with whom they wish to communicate in order to formulate plans that suit their requirements, respond to their aspirations and benefit from their potential. However, other attendees noted that the diversity of communication platforms and smart applications has become a challenge for institutions when it comes to choosing the most appropriate and effective platforms to speak to the young people.
Youth Circle
Youth circle panellists said that while the government plays its role in launching the development plans and initiatives, the youth should work relentlessly to not only follow these initiatives but also interact proactively in communicating their views and suggestions to become real partners in the development process.
Importance of Government Organisations
Some participants also focused on the importance of government organisations dedicating community hours to employing young people. This would fulfil a dual purpose in addition to instilling a sense of duty in the youth, it would demonstrate the commitment of the government entities to enhancing the role of the youth in achieving positive change in the community at large. They also underlined the importance of collective action from young people and urged the youth to transition from competing among themselves to competing with themselves in unleashing their true potential.
Climate Change and Government Communication
During Day one, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah attended a conversation panel with Al Gore, former US Vice President and founder-chairman of the Climate Reality Project as part of the sixth edition of International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
Headlined “Climate Change…Are there Real Solutions?‟. It was by HE Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah. The discussion explored the role of governments in educating society on the existential threat of climate change and raising awareness of sustainable climate changing solutions.
Environmental Degradation
The panel warned environmental degradation which continued to sound alarm bells across the globe at regular intervals. The World Bank, in collaboration with the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, published a report in September 2016 pointing out that air pollution costs the world economy over US$225 billion a year due to employee absences from work and the accrued costs of healthcare. The report also noted that an astounding 5.5 million deaths in 2013 were the direct result of air pollution.
Al Gore
Al Gore said: “The climate crisis is very different from any crisis we have ever confronted before. The population has quadrupled, and as technologies continue to become more powerful, the prevailing pattern of short-term thinking does not provide an impetus to make the investments in long-term infrastructure changes that are needed to achieve sustainable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”
Climate Change: A Looming Crisis
Doomsday projections related to the environment continue unabated. The one silver lining to emerge from such data is perhaps the fact that people are increasingly questioning what they can do to mitigate the conscious as well as the inadvertent environmental impact triggered by human actions, he explained.
However, hurdles still exist and convincing the public to change their habits and lifestyles to help reduce global warming and prevent even worse consequences than those already happening is yet another challenge for governance, emphasised the former US Vice President.
Referencing a survey by Pew Research Center, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi noted that while two-thirds of people surveyed believe major lifestyle changes will be needed to limit greenhouse gas emissions, awareness of the solutions that are readily available is still low.
In response, Al Gore said: “Some of the conversation has been dominated by inaccurate information. We cannot afford to allow science and reason to be undermined. Governments are in denial and we cannot continue to let political disagreements impair collective efforts to protect the environment.”
UAE‟s Pursuits of Renewable Energy
Praising the UAE leadership’s focus on renewable energy, he added that the country’s efforts should be replicated elsewhere. In addition, he expressed hope that governments will develop a solid consensus in the pursuit of environmental goals by highlighting the evidence that is widely available and the consequences that are already occurring.
In closing, Al Gore said: “We see these catastrophes. Connect the dots and make it clear what the causes are. There are three questions about the climate crisis that we must ask ourselves: Must we change? Can we change? Will we change? The will to change in itself is a renewable resource.”
Importance of Ethical Reporting and the Evolution of Contemporary Journalism
Renowned, award-winning British journalist Kelvin O‟Shea spoke on the importance of ethical reporting and the evolution of contemporary journalism. O‟Shea shared highlights of his 40-year career as a reporter and producer, especially focusing on his time reporting across the Middle East during the session, which was co-hosted by Sharjah Press Club. He said: “Ethics is one of the tenets of strong journalism. Given the abundance of “fake news‟ across various digital media platforms today, it is important to represent stories and personalities with accuracy and credibility, and in the most balanced way possible. People, on their part, must be rational and vigilant about the news they consume. Furthermore, delving into personal details for the sake of sensationalism may not create the right kind of engagement among readers and communities.”
Importance of Continuous Learning
He added that continuous learning and passion are essential to the positive evolution of the global media and communications industry. Elaborating on changing journalism in a social media-driven era, he remarked that conventional media platforms must broaden their appeal to accommodate diverse interests and target groups, while enabling and empowering local citizen journalists to create deeper engagement and open dialogue on important issues.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, also attended the second session of the opening day of the 6th IGCF. Eminent speakers emphasised that the private and public sectors as well as the youth have a collective responsibility to advance sustainable development.
The Public and Private Sectors: Real Partnership towards Sustainable Development
Titled “The Public and Private Sectors: Real Partnership towards Sustainable Development,‟ the session hosted Jeffrey Sachs, renowned development economist and Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and President of Crescent Petroleum.
The moderator of the session, John Defterios, Presenter and Editor of CNNMoney Emerging Markets, commenced by asking the panellists how communication enables public-private partnerships (PPPs) and the achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), unveiled by the United Nations (UN) in 2016.
Change of Direction for SDGs
Opening the discussion, Jeffrey Sachs said: “All 193 countries of the UN have adopted the principles enshrined in the SDGs for two reasons. First, the world needs to change direction to be more economically and environmentally conscious as well as equitable. We can no longer go on as we have. Second, the SDGs are not ideas or suggestions but targets for 2030 that must be fulfilled so that mankind can survive and thrive. The SDGs are a powerful communication tool to align countries on key objectives for the near future. Strong and relentless public and private sector action can collectively provide the roadmap towards achieving these objectives.”
UAE’s People Oriented Policies
Sachs added: “The UAE serves as a great example of putting people at the centre of public policy. This is evident in the fact that the government has launched the World Happiness Council in addition to announcing 2017 as the Year of Giving. I am grateful for the way this government has placed the SDGs high on its agenda and at the centre of our discussion today.”
Role of Private Sector and SDGs
Speaking on the private sector’s potential in advancing the SDGs, Badr Jafar said: “The region’s governments are buckling under pressure to solve even basic challenges. At such a time, they cannot take on all the responsibility to provide the opportunities required to address the rampant unemployment. The private sector has the power and resources to be a change-maker. However, for this to happen, the sector needs to understand the business case behind sustainability, corporate governance and accountability.
“Another tremendous opportunity in this region is the number of family businesses, which account for 85 per cent of the non-oil GDP. Their impact-generated approach and understanding of optimal business practices for long-term economic and organisational health can be applied to achieve the SDGs, he added”.
Blessings of Islam Charitable Codification
Finally, we have an underutilised civil society and a huge amount of philanthropic capital in the form of zakat and sadaqa that, if properly deployed, would go a long way in advancing some of the SDGs. In this part of the world, funding does not have to be an issue, as the spirit of giving is embedded in our DNA.”
Imbalanced Economic Conditions and Value of Entrepreneurship
Remarking on the huge gap between SDG objectives and existing polices, Muhammad Yunus said: “While we think about the world we have inherited plagued by tremendous wealth concentration, environmental problems and a dearth of jobs we must take a peek into our history. We have always been problem-solvers. In fact, I have observed even illiterate women at Grameen Bank flourish into entrepreneurs with determination and hard work. There is no reason that educated youth today in Bangladesh and all over the world should be job seekers when they could be job creators. Our mind-sets need a drastic shift to reorient ourselves in line with the changing world.”
He added: “I am impressed by the UAE leadership’s forward-looking vision for this country and its youth. As this region enables entrepreneurs with investments and resources, they should leverage this model to create opportunities for themselves.”
Essential Government Support
Speaking on the imminent environmental dangers and their impact on jobs, Sachs said: “Adapting our economy and habits to the environment is a necessity. We must make a change from a fossil fuel world to a low-carbon world to keep the planet hospitable and safe. Governments have an imperative to implement the right welfare measures and train public-sector entrepreneurs to champion such change. We need to proactively address gaps in global public administration so that SDGs are not just a concept on paper, but a reality.”
Fourth Industrial Revolution
Adding to Sachs‟ point, Jafar said: “As we live in a world of changing technology and are on the brink of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, public and private sectors also have an economic imperative to collaborate. In a relationship-based society such as ours, the government can act as an inspiring role model His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi is one such example that we can all look up to.”
Adding to the discussion, Jafar said: “Although government support can help unlock barriers and level the playing field to ensure nobody faces a competitive disadvantage, an overly supportive government could be detrimental to an entrepreneur’s learning curve. Risks are part of the deal on the road to leadership, and if they are all eliminated, the business would not be sustainable.”
Valuable Contributions of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa)
Jafar applauded the efforts of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), in creating an attractive and supportive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs who aim to launch sustainable and competitive ventures. He said: “Their business models can accelerate environmental and social development and over the long term, help make the SDGs a reality.”
Governments Imperatives
Day one of the sixth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) concluded with an insightful panel discussion on the importance of putting civil society at the centre of the climate change dialogue across the globe.
Environmental Experts
Environmental experts from the public and private sectors concurred on this point at the session themed “Environment and Climate Change in Media Policies‟. Both segments agreed that media communication needs to be impactful and relay the right messages to civil society to enable them to effect meaningful change.
Mark Schapiro, an author and award-winning journalist specialising in international environmental stories, moderated the discussion. Panellists included His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency John Bruton, former Prime Minister of Ireland, former EU Ambassador to the US and Chairman of International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Ireland, His Excellency Khaled Issa Al Huraimel, CEO of Sharjah environmental company Bee’ah, Safa‟ Al Jayoussi, Head of Climate and Energy Campaign in Arab World, Founder and Executive Director for lndyACT in Jordan and winner of the 2016 Young Energy Professional of the Year Award, and Kehkashan Basu, UAE-based student and winner of the 2016 International Children’s Peace Prize.
Role of the Private Sector in the Climate Change Dialogue
Speaking on the role of the private sector in the climate change dialogue, Safa‟ Al Jayoussi said: “Private sector entities play a major role in communicating the needs of the people to the government, as well as in advocating for change. There is urgency in this region to create a dialogue between the public and private sector as well as civil society. Unfortunately, climate change does not seem to be a priority, with the UAE being an exception. The steps the UAE has taken, including the establishment of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, shows that the country cares about environmental challenges. Across the region, we need to be able to communicate the benefits of climate change intervention, especially from a cost-cutting perspective.”
Strategic Utility of Bee’ah
Demonstrating the success of public-private partnerships for environmental causes, His Excellency Khaled Issa Al Huraimel said: “Bee‟ah was created as a public-private partnership with the aim of addressing the huge waste management challenge we faced in the UAE, and establishing Sharjah as the environmental capital of the Middle East. Today, seven years after we envisioned this goal, I can safely say we have achieved record rates of over 70 per cent waste management away from the landfills. We are also actively involved in taking our vision across the UAE and the region. To this effect, we have tied up with Masdar to develop renewable energy sources. Our work at Bee‟ah, in collaboration with the Sharjah Government and Shurooq, also extends to managing air quality and water quality, all of which will ensure a better future for the region’s environment. While most environmental initiatives in the region are fully run by the private sector, we have learnt that there are great benefits to working hand in hand with the government.”
Climate Change and Recycling Initiatives
Speaking from the perspective of the EU nations, His Excellency John Burton said: “The success of environmental intervention, such as recycling initiatives and setting of zero-landfill targets, has been largely driven by the fact that these targets are set individually for each country in the EU with clear indications of penalties, such as fines levied in case of violation. This has worked in most EU nations, except in cases such as Poland, which has a coal-driven market, or Ireland, where methane gas from livestock created environmental hazards. Within this framework, however, we find that it is very important to get the people on your side, to make the decision to recycle. Moreover, we need to repeatedly remind the people of the impact their household decisions could have on their own children and future generations.”
UAE Cabinet: A Way Forward
Representing the viewpoint of the public sector, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said: “The UAE Cabinet has agreed on the UAE Centennial 2071 to make our government the best in the world. This shows that we are well aligned with a long-term vision for the nation. In terms of communicating the effects of climate change, studies show that less than 19 per cent of nations globally are engaged in environmental dialogue, which shows that people are disengaged on this topic.
“We as a government need to convey these complex concepts to our communities, as well as impress upon them the consequences and impact of their actions. In this context, we find the role of the media to be very important, especially in simplifying the concepts for the people. Unfortunately, much of the media reporting today focuses on the catastrophic nature of climate change. Whereas, in my opinion, the media needs to additionally shed light on the positive actions that are being taken to mitigate environmental degradation.
Heroes of the UAE Initiative
Giving the example of the Heroes of the UAE initiative, he added: “The UAE has effectively used this platform to educate children on the effects of climate change, and to encourage them to enable positive environmental behaviour within the household. Issues such as the impending water crisis in the region need to be conveyed with a sense of urgency to the people to help them become participants in the relevant interventions such as the UAE Energy Plan 2050 to make renewables account for as much as 44 per cent of our nation’s energy mix.”
Climate Change and Integration of Youth
In response to Kehkashan Basu‟s question on how to integrate the youth in the climate change dialogue, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said: “We need to build up the environmental responsibilities of the youth through the education system. In the UAE, our leaders created a new Ministry of Youth last year, which has also been instrumental in establishing national and local youth councils that seek to get the youth involved in addressing the nation’s challenges. The Ministry of Climate Change also worked recently with youth across the region to create Arab Youth Centres that aim to involve the youth in the future dialogue.”
IGCF 2017: A Pride of Sharjah
All the participants, speakers, diplomates and government’s official termed the IGCF 2017 as the pride of Sharjah. Now IGCC is a global achievement that marks Sharjah’s position as the centre in the field of the government communication challenges.
Role of Mass Media towards Societies and People
IGCF 2017 Day 2nd thoroughly discussed different segments of societies and their special needs and importance of government’s communication. It tabled importance of positive news and its reporting. It discussed about role of mass media in creating happiness and psychological comfort zones to excel in their respective societies. It also talked about the crucial role of mass media to mitigate spill over repercussions of a political oriented issues such as refugees and migration.
Strategic Importance of National Branding
IGCF 2017 highlighted the importance of national branding through massive media campaigns. It would bring desired socio-economic dividends in terms of inflows of investments, joint ventures and development of tourism.
Government’s Communication Strategies and UN SDGs
IGCF 2017 discussed at length the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that were agreed upon in 2015 by world leaders as part of the SDG Agenda 2030, including protecting the environment, empowering women, as well as combating poverty, disease, and illiteracy.
Visionary Leadership of Sharjah
The visionary leadership of Sharjah is always rated as people’s friendly. It has comprehensive policies for the development of youth and children. Its diversified but integrated policies have enabled children and young people to lead the future of the country. The IGCF 2017 hosted a special interactive session for the Sharjah Children Shura Council. It was informative and interactive too. It informed the young members of the Council about the current challenges facing the world. It asked the representatives of Sharjah’s children to contribute to the global conversation about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, pointed out that we all live on this planet together, and in order to address its future challenges, we all need to play our role in the ongoing global efforts in this sphere.
“We are delighted to see the leaders of the future enthusiastically participate in the global conversation on SDGs. Their engagement gives us confidence in their abilities to take on the responsibilities that come with leadership. Investing in our children was of the utmost importance to the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Today, we continue to water the seeds planted by the founders of the UAE and set the ground for comprehensive development of the country, he added.”
Innovative Solutions to Global Challenges
During the interactive session, children suggested innovative solutions to global challenges, such as poverty, food security and climate change. It also focused the important role of voluntary work, while some children emphasised the importance of providing quality education for underprivileged children that will enable them to move confidently towards the future.
The Sharjah Children Shura Council
The Sharjah Children Shura Council operates under the auspices of the Children Centre Department affiliated with the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs. It aims to build a generation that understands the democratic process and knows how to exercise its rights as guaranteed by the constitution.
The first Council was established in 1997 under the name of Sharjah Children Parliament, based on a directive of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The parliamentary council, elected every two years, represents Sharjah’s children centres and schools.
Sharjah Government’s Pro-Development and Pro-People Policies
The leadership of UAE and Sharjah Government always remained pro-development and pro-people policies. They always believe in true spirits of socio-economic development, qualitative life and happiness in the society. While delivering a keynote speech Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, the UAE Minister of State for Happiness highlighted the importance of mass media in projecting positive messages to society, and fostering a more positive outlook.
High-profile attendees on day one included Al Gore, former Vice President of the United States and founder and Chairman of The Climate Reality Project, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank and Nobel Peace Prize winner, His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, Jeffrey Sachs, renowned development economist and Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency John Bruton, former Prime Minister of Ireland, former EU Ambassador to the US and Chairman of International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Ireland, and Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and President of Crescent Petroleum.
Widespread Negative in Arab Mass Media
HE Al Roumi highlighted said: “We have analysed Arabic newspapers for the past six days, at random, and more than half of the headlines were negative, covering death, injury and failure, as well as other negative issues. If we removed newspapers from the UAE that feature more stories covering achievements and welfare, the results would be much worse.”
Psychological Make-Over of Negativity
The Minister pinpointed many research studies and conclusions of different statistical data which indicated the psychological make-up of negative news on individuals. She focused to change the mantra of negativity in the mass media. She suggested reporting this negative news in a right way by also highlighting their solutions. She also highlighted the importance of positive content and positivity in the society which would build positive value in society and a positive way of thinking. The Minister also highlighted the importance of seeking out stories on “good role models who foster hope and encourage the youth.”
Media as Important Tool
The media is an important tool. It can build values and awareness, and specifically translate a culture of positive values in society. Therefore, it is important to build a strategic partnership with the mass media. Let us focus on the success stories and good news in order to improve daily life,” she said.
UAE Government Initiatives
HE Al Roumi pointed to a number of initiatives introduced by media institutions in the country to highlight positive news and experiences, including WAM’s section for positive stories, Sharjah TV’s ‘Al Bath Al Mubashir’, Sharjah Radio’s ‘Al Atheer’, Noor Dubai’s segment ‘Positive Minutes’, Al Khaleej newspaper’s initiative of ‘Country of Happiness’ and 24.ae’s ‘Happiness Bulletin’.
Basis of Government Communication
Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, highlighted the importance of the Forum which is now in its sixth year. He said: “Government communication is the basis for cooperation and coordination on a global level. It is a tool to shape awareness and form social partnerships.
“It is a cultural power like no other, which can help us to overcome humanitarian problems and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals on the United Nations’ 2030 agenda.”
Former German President Horst Köhler and Climate Change
Former German President Horst Köhler in his keynote speech urged the participants of IGCF 2017, taking place “at a time of growing uncertainty and rising tensions”, to consider “the profound challenges that humanity faces in the long term.”
German President spoke about global warming/climate change with 15 of the 16 hottest years on record taking place in the 21st century, and global inequality where over a billion people are living in poverty, 780 million are without access to clean water and millions of children are unable to attend school.
Weakness of Prevailing World Economic System
President Köhler stressed the need to initiate massive economic growth in poor countries where hospitals and schools and services and industry are needed to provide people with education, work, and income. He rated humanity’s greatest challenge in the 21st century is to enable all people to live in dignity without destroying our planet. He warned that this goal of humanity dignity cannot be achieved with the current models of economic growth. If everybody produced and consumed like Europeans and Americans, we would need three or four planets in reserve.
Economic Protectionism
President Köhler also spoke of the recent political issues and the newly emerging narratives of egotism and confrontation in the international sphere, a trend that made global agreements such as the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Paris Agreement on Climate Change all the more important.
He said: “The 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals present a valuable consensus that we want to be the first generation to end extreme poverty and the last generation to be threatened by climate change. To achieve that priority, the 2030 Agenda is a universal one, it requires change in the North and the South, in the East and the West.”
He emphasised: “It is possible to shape our futures if we embrace the inevitable change and not evade it. It is possible to be prosperous and respect nature it might even make us happier. It is possible to live a life in dignity and at the same time allow people in other parts of the world and our grandchildren to live such a life, too. The basic principles of the SDGs respect for the interdependence and the permanence of human life on this planet are inherently human. In all our diversity, we all have the same basic needs.”
Global Media Trends in Coverage of Sustainable Development
The IGCF 2017 also facilitated a specialised workshop on ‘Global Media Trends in Coverage of Sustainable Development’ for government communication specialists.
It was organised by the United Nations. It attracted government communication specialists from different public sector entities across the UAE. Two main objectives were set for the workshop the first being to create awareness for the global Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations for 2030, and the second to interpret those goals into economic outcomes to benefit human beings and achieve greater levels of development locally (drawing on the UAE perspective) and for the planet at large.
Latest Mechanisms and Best International Practices
During the workshop delivered and moderated by Dr. Najla Al Omari, media advisor and trainer, participants examined the latest mechanisms and best international practices used by government communication departments in conveying the right messages to their audience to positively contribute to achieving the goals of sustainable development. The workshop further discussed the rising role of new media in reaching broader segments and promoting positive messages on such development around the world.
Importance of Unifying Media Messages
Dr. Najla Al Omary, also highlighted the importance of such workshops in unifying media messages for government organisations to achieve sustainable development and contextualise those messages globally to attain their ambitious out comes.
Dr. Al Omary added that the interaction of the participants was remarkable in their attention to detail and a keenness to identify the latest successful trends in government communication. She reiterated the importance of creativity in planning and producing messages that can effectively achieve results and speak to larger segments of audience. She concluded by commending the high standards observed in organising the landmark Forum.
Importance of Accuracy and Transparency in Media
The Thomson Reuters Foundation was also a two-day workshop aimed at improving journalists’ skills on the side lines of the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017).
It entitled ‘Writing and Reporting News’. The intensive workshop was led by Mathieu Robbin and Saad Hattar, seasoned journalists with over 20 years of cumulative experience and training consultants at the Thomson Reuters Foundation. In line with Thomson Reuters methodology, it provided budding journalists with the tools needed to produce accurate and comprehensive stories.
The workshop featured practical exercises with a focus on improving accuracy and transparency among the journalists in attendance. In addition, it provided a framework for the participants to recognise their inner potential and refine their skills. Journalists also get an insight into the legal risks and ethical standards associated with the profession.
Saad Hattar said: “The workshop gives journalists and media professionals an opportunity to revisit basic principles of journalism. Our goal is to share our decades of industry insight, create a platform for exchanging tips and show the participants what is needed to take journalism to the next level.”
Mathieu Robbin said: “My goal is for journalists to come away from this workshop with a few key learnings. First, they must always write with their readers’ best interest at heart. Second, they should do their best to keep the stories interesting and relevant. Finally, they should never be afraid to ask the hard questions.”
In recent years, the Arab world has placed unprecedented emphasis on development with a special focus on achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, amidst an increasingly challenging economic and political climate, how can governments ensure that key stakeholders, such as the media, civil society and non-government organisations are collaboratively participating in this development journey.
Government Communication and Development Goals in the Arab World
A panel of experts thoroughly discussed these problems in a session titled ‘Government Communication and Development Goals in the Arab World’ at the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017). It was moderated by Sarah Dundarawy, TV Presenter at Al Arabiya, the discussion examined the role of educational institutions in developing future generations and society at large.
Importance of Children’s Education
Mishal Kanoo, Chairman of The Kanoo Group highlighted the importance of education in developing children as well as societies. He said: “We need to change the way we think about education. Teaching is not merely a job but a significant responsibility. Companies can also support development by creating opportunities for youth. Some companies have noble goals and believe it is their duty to help train and develop this segment of society.”
Dr. Adah Almutairi, Professor and Director of the Center of Excellence in Nanomedicine and Engineering at University of California San Diego, said: “We should focus on the importance of research very early in school education. This will develop the awareness of children.”
Need of Innovations and Investments
Discussing the need for more inventors and innovators in the Arab world, she called for governments to encourage more innovation in educational institutions. She said: “The government can fund programmes. We do not need to have the whole population inventing or innovating, but we need a few. A small group of students interested in science is enough.”
Collaborative Development
Hanan Al Hroub, Winner of the 2016 Global Teacher Prize, pointed out that development is a collaborative effort. She said: “The government alone is not responsible for the development of children or society. We need dialogue in order to reach solutions. Citizens need a greater voice to effectively apply solutions in a collaborative manner. We also need a unified vision between governments and schools that is reflected in the curriculum, the behaviour of students and society at large.”
Describing how technology has redefined the role of teachers, she added: “Earlier, the teacher was the only source of knowledge for the student. Thanks to technological progress, children now have a wide variety of sources available. Therefore, the role of the teacher today is to help the student discover information and instil moral values.”
Importance of Media in Shaping the Lives of Disabled People
During the sixth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, hosted a special interactive session for people with disabilities. During the session Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, discussed the current challenges facing the world and the need for the disabled to participate in development programmes, as well as the establishment of a public benefit organisation for the disabled.
The was organised in cooperation with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, moderated by Mohammed bin Dakheen Al-Matroushi, Director of the Media and Communications Department at the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority, and witnessed the participation of disabled individuals from various academic institutions in the UAE.
Sharjah City’s Humanitarian Services
Participants highlighted the strides achieved by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in empowering its members for more than three decades, and making them effective and productive members of society, leading to holistic development of the UAE in line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDG).
Participants were divided into two groups. Each group discussed ways to achieve the SDGs with a focus on four main pillars health and wellbeing, suitable jobs and economic growth, reducing inequality, and sustainable communities and cities. The lively debate produced innovative ideas on how to achieve the SDGs in a sustainable society.
The session discussed how people with disabilities can be integrated into mainstream society. It emphasised the UAE’s pioneering efforts to empower this important social segment, making the country a role model of social inclusion.
Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said: “In line with the efforts and directives of the UAE leadership, the International Government Communication Forum stresses the importance of serving all segments of society. We are happy to have people with disabilities participating in the Forum and to provide a platform for them to express what inclusion means to them and affirm their interest in developing innovative solutions to future global challenges.
“We hope that in the future, their participation will not be limited to a private session, but will extend to all sessions. We hope the Government of Sharjah and other national institutions will adopt their recommendations to contribute to the integration of this category into society. Through doing so, they can truly take advantage of the potential this Forum offers, and enable people with disabilities from a human, educational, social and cultural point of view, she added”.
Prominent Role of Disabled People in the Development of Society
Mohammed bin Dakheen Al-Matroushi said: “People with disabilities have a prominent role in the development of society. Today, I have learnt so much from the attendees about their creative ideas that I feel like a student. This is an unprecedented step for the UAE to stimulate innovative ideas among this segment. The participants have put forward many ideas and recommendations that will make the UAE community the first sustainable one of its kind to establish media and communication capabilities among all its members.”
He added: “During this Forum, participants with hearing disabilities announced the launch of a mobile application that translates sign language into Arabic. This will be the first application to activate and facilitate communication between this segment and the rest of society.”
The session concluded with several recommendations that provide people with disabilities an opportunity to express their abilities and support the UN’s four sustainable development goals that the session focused on. Recommendations included the need to involve people with hearing disabilities and mobility challenges in all initiatives that help enable them and reflect their requirements and rights. One of the recommendations focused on teaching sign language in schools, so that all members of society can communicate seamlessly in sign language with people with disabilities towards building a happy and sustainable society.
The participants also recommended that the TV stations in the UAE should include sign language and language bars at the bottom of the screen for the most important shows. They also recommended issuing the Emirates Code (UAE standard code for the comprehensive environment) for people, institutions and society. The code will be used as a special guide to assist people with disabilities in handling emergencies, crises, disasters and evacuation.
Impact of Conflicts and Refugees on Arab Development
The impact of conflict on refugees, host countries and the Arab region in general was discussed at an afternoon session on day two of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017).
It entitled ‘Impact of Conflicts and Refugees on Arab Development’, the panel discussion, chaired by Houssam Chahin, Senior Private Sector Partnerships Officer for the MENA Region at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It discussed the issues facing the millions of displaced people around the world due to conflicts and crises. Topics included the role of women during the crisis, the role of the media in changing the situation, involvement of the private sector, and the impact of conflicts on children and youth.
Khaled Khalifa, Regional Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to the States of the GCC, said: “UNHCR figures show 65 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide and 21.3 million are categorised as refugees. We must first agree that people do not leave their homes willingly. They leave because of necessity. Out of the huge numbers affected, 86 per cent move to developing countries which face their own economic and educational challenges.”
Highlighting the issue of education for refugees, he added: “Fifty per cent of refugees are aged from five to 17. Many will not go to school and very few will go to college or obtain further education. This is more than a lost generation we are talking about. These people have lost the chance to live as children. It is an international failure and we are urging the international community to concentrate on the education issue because it is a fundamental human right.”
Serious Issues of Female Refugees
Focusing on the issues facing female refugees, Mariam Farag, Group CSR Manager at MBC Group, said: “We have an economic and social disaster on our hands. We face a particular challenge with girls, some of whom will turn to marriage as a solution. We are trying to focus on education because girls are always the ones who will be affected when it comes to education. They will be the ones pulled out of school to help the family or to get married.”
Conflict’s Reporting
Conflict does not just create a problem for refugees, however. Petr Kostohryz, Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Jordan, said: “When you are talking about 65 million displaced, there is also a huge impact on the host countries. When you take into account the refugees as well as the hosts, such as Jordan and Lebanon, there are 22 million people affected by the Syrian crisis.”
He added: “In Jordan, for example, 87 percent of refugees live under the poverty line, even though we have over 70 agencies supporting the government in terms of access to education, shelter, health care and resources.”
Tamara Saeb, Head of Communications at Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), UAE, said: “Conflicts and crises pose major challenges for us operationally and in terms of communications. Refugees move beyond their neighbouring countries and into Europe, and we have found that the Mediterranean route to Greece and beyond is the deadliest. In view of this knowledge, we have launched three search-and-rescue boats that enable us to provide support on sea while receiving migrants on the shores.”
She added: “We need to use the media narrative to humanise the problem. We are at a stage where we need to rethink how we tell the story of refugees needing health care, to get the public to react.” The panel unanimously agreed there is a collective ethical responsibility to respond to the crisis more effectively.
Tamara Saeb said: “We realise this is a very complex issue, and it is going to be a challenge for everyone. But we all have to go beyond our comfort zones, and involve the private sector and the youth. ”Petr Kostohryz added: “It is about governments and the international community engaging better in the political process and also about individuals engaging better on their level.”
For her part, Mariam Farag said: “Our objective is to spread hope. There are numerous challenges but we need to be creative. If we all work on the individual level, we will create a chain of actions. My message is that we cannot be passive, we each need to take the opportunity and make the change individually.”
Power of Brand Image and the Economy of Nation Branding
Richard Pattinson, Senior Vice President, BBC Story works, BBC Worldwide, highlighted different aspects of commercialization in mass media. He elaborated the role of marketing and advertising. He also pinpointed the importance of national branding, soft image projection. He shared popular and effective commercial practice in recent decades. He rightly pointed that the benefits of a strong national brand are both reputational as well as tangible, as they can increase tourism and foreign investment. He chaired a workshop titled “Power of Brand Image and the Economy of Nation Branding,” which was facilitated by BBC Worldwide for Sharjah’s leading government figures at the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Successful Case Studies of Nation Brandings
Pattinson kicked off the session by presenting three case studies that highlight best practices in nation branding. The first example was a video created for DiscoverAmerica.com, an organisation that is encouraging tourism in the United States. The video clip highlighted the virtues of various cities in the US through recordings of their residents. The underlying message is that one can only discover America by experiencing it.
The second example was a BBC initiative called “BBC Britain”, which sought to showcase London ahead of the 2012 Olympics. As part of this project, BBC commissioned 150 new stories and launched a new content platform with thought-provoking narratives that captured the nation’s essence. The platform offered a simple and interactive way of exploring the country one story at a time. According to Pattinson, who cited that 73 percent of users said that the platform changed their perception of the country, the case study also illustrated the power of sporting events in creating a national brand.
The third example was from Germany, which hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2006, as a case study of positive nationalism. Pattinson explained that the World Cup was one of the first instances in which Germans felt comfortable with overt displays of nationalism. Recalling his experience in Germany prior to the event, he said: “We even drove up to a house that was painted in the German flag colours.”
In the final section of the workshop, Pattinson conducted an interactive exercise where the audience was asked to share their perception of three different countries Singapore, South Africa and Canada and evaluated their brand images. Participants were given various parameters, including safety, scenery, tolerance and history, and asked to select two positive and two negative indicators for each of the countries.
The results sparked a provocative discussion on the different challenges that governments encounter when managing their global perception. Singapore, for instance, ranked positively for innovation, but negatively for culture. Discussing how the Singaporean government has worked hard to create cultural spaces in the city, Pattinson attributed these efforts as a driving force to enhancing tourism. He said: “In the last decade, tourism has increased from 9 million to 16 million.”
The exercise gave the audience an opportunity to think about the core messages that constitute a country’s brand campaign. Commenting on how governments can overcome negative perceptions, Pattinson said: “You do need to be authentic. If you have got a problem, you need to talk about how you are tackling it.
Using the example of London, which has a long-standing problem of traffic, he said: “The city has done a lot of things to counter that, but ultimately, it needs to invest in public transport and restrict car access in the centre of the city, which it is now doing.”
He added: “You can only tell audiences things to negate a perception without having substance behind it for a short while. Singapore needed to invest in culture. It cannot just be a plaster that you stick on.”
Speaking about how governments should disseminate their brand messages he said: “It’s really important that the culture of a brand message is set from the top.” Emphasising the importance of consistency, he said. Pattinson also agreed with a comment from one of the participants about transforming weaknesses into opportunities. Speaking about the UK, he said: “Our government is obviously battling an enormous issue with Brexit and is trying to turn a perceived weakness into an opportunity. The idea that there are opportunities to be found in weaknesses is absolutely true.”
Youth Energy
An interactive session entitled ‘Youth Energy’ discussed initiatives that support and empower youth in the UAE on the second day of the International Government Communication Forum 2017 (IGCF 2017).
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah, and Sheikh Theyab bin Khalifa bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, as well as Saeed Al Nuaimi and Amira Al-Marzouqi, participants of the South Pole Energy Challenge graced the occasion. The UAE Armed Forces team that climbed Mount Everest was also among the guests.
His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani said: “This session gathers many of the UAE’s adventurers under one roof. Despite our different journeys, what brings us all together is our passion for overcoming challenges. We hope that this session will motivate the youth to continue chasing their dreams and unleash their true potential. Overall, we are delighted to participate in this successful Forum, which has attracted many distinguished speakers and highlighted important emerging issues.”
Recommendations
The Sixth International Government Communication Forum 2017 (IGCF 2017) has become a global brand, an ideal platform to discuss the different socio-economic issues and importance of the government’s communications. Through its different informative sessions and interactive workshops the IGCF 2017 tried to form an effective government communication to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), which have become the top priority of government programmes, international institutions, media organisations and civil society. It instrumented to achieve a transparent platform to examine current issues. It formulated recommendations to help governments optimise the impact of their communication. IGCF 2017 convened more than 2500 local and international personalities from the ranks of government officials, experts, thought leaders, and government communication professionals.
The Forum witnessed the participation of high-level officials from 16 countries and included five keynote speeches, seven main sessions, six parallel discussion sessions, five accompanying workshops and three interactive sessions. The list of participants included world statesmen, five UAE ministers, two Nobel Peace Prize laureates and representatives of international organisations and public and private-sector officials. Day one of IGCF 2017 saw the announcement of winners of the fourth Sharjah Government Communication Award.
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, said: “The end of each edition of IGCF marks a new beginning for the further advancement of government communication. Today, our efforts to develop a vital communication ecosystem are closer to accomplishment than ever before, due to the recommendations and insights of the international experts that we’ve hosted throughout this two-day Forum.”
Jawaher Al Naqbi, Manager of the International Government Communication Forum, unveiled the recommendations of IGCF’s sixth edition.
The Forum recommended establishing scientific, cultural and spiritual centres for children and the youth to build responsible personalities who are committed to advancing their country’s interests and social participation.
It endorsed devising executive programmes to provide care for the elderly and ensure an environment that meets their needs. It focused to enhance education, support scientific research programmes, and build capacities and skills that are vital to achieve the comprehensive development goals.
It recommended the establishment of a joint Arab committee to support and launch initiatives that stimulate government communication programmes aiming to enhance the efforts of Arab countries towards sustainable development.
IGCF 2017 stressed the need to have active societal participation by families, schools, and media outlets in initiating progressive programmes to achieve the sustainable development of societies. The Forum reinforced the media’s role as a supporter of sustainable development programmes and human values. It encouraged the participation of people with disabilities in programmes and initiatives to achieve sustainable development in order to better integrate minority segments into mainstream society.
It suggested embedding a smart alarm on the front doors of houses that would notify residents when exiting the premises about any electrical units that are still in use. It extended support to productive families in poorer countries, rather than offering direct financial assistance to the governments of these countries. Lastly, the children participating in IGCF 2017 proposed establishing a Children’s Education Charity Fund to support the education of poor children across the world.
It emphasised the need to teach sign language in schools to enable all individuals within a society to communicate with one another. It also recommended issuing the Emirates Code (UAE standard code for the comprehensive environment) for people, institutions and society.
It stressed the pressing need for government entities to familiarise themselves with the most common communication platforms and smart applications among the youth in order to converse better with them. In addition, it highlighted the significance of including community hours as part of regular working hours at government offices an initiative that will allow the youth to play their role in becoming change agents and delivering a positive impact in society.
Its general recommendations of IGCF 2017 also included initiating conversation with government communication directorates at the level of the Arab region to form an Arab network of government communication based in Sharjah with representative offices across all member countries. Moreover, the Forum reiterated the importance of putting in place innovative and modern methods to survey Arab public opinion and public perception on government communication campaigns. The Forum articulated that in order for government communication campaigns to be more influential, they should enhance their presence across and utilisation of multiple social media platforms.
The Forum also called for launching a set of specialised training programmes for government communication professionals to equip them with the newest trends and tools in their field. It stressed the need to give them more flexibility in interacting with the public through social media platforms. Finally, several participating experts called for the launch of “development circles” to be held throughout the year to follow up on the public discourse about SDGs.
The Forum focused the need to increase numbers of media officers specialised in environment and climate change across all media platforms, in parallel with broader media coverage for these key issues and more regular in-depth training for dedicated media personnel. It mandated transparency as a standard approach by all entities responsible for government communication in order to address relevant environmental challenges and crises effectively. It will also help transform public perception from skeptical to supportive of the efforts of governments to achieve strategic goals.
Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) honoured the 27 speakers and 7 moderators who took part in the Forum, as well as participants in the Green Chair Initiative and the 28 sponsors, including the United Nations Foundation, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Sharjah Children Centres, Bee’ah Company, Emirates Youth Council, Big Heart Foundation, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), National Media Council, Dubai Media Incorporated, Abu Dhabi Media Company, Sharjah Media Corporation, Dar Al Khaleej for Press, Printing, and Publishing, Gulf News, Sky News Arabia, Al Arabiya Channel, BBC, New York Times, Newsweek magazine, The Business Year, Oxford Business Group, Motivate Group, INC magazines, Sharjah 24, Sharjah Islamic Bank, Emirates Airlines, Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre, and Expo Centre Sharjah, in addition to the 9 supporters of the Forum including Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Sharjah Civil Defence, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Police, Sharjah General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Sharjah Department of Government Relations, Sharjah Medical District, Al Qassimi Hospital, Kuwait Hospital, and Al Zahraa Hospital.
Concluding Remarks
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) was officially inaugurated on March 22, 2017 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Its theme “Societal Participation…Comprehensive Development‟, IGCF 2017 rightly highlighted the strategic importance of effective government communication to achieve the United Nations‟ sustainable development goals (SDGs) that have become the top priority of government programmes, international institutions, media organisations and civil society.
Since its inception IGCF offers a transparent platform to examine current issues. It formulates recommendations to help governments optimise the impact of their communication. IGCF 2017 convened more than 2,500 local and international personalities from the ranks of government officials, experts, thought leaders, and government communication professionals.
The vast range of topics discussed in the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum reflected the pioneering role of Sharjah and the wider UAE in enhancing the role of government communication in supporting government efforts across all sectors to ensure a brighter future for coming generations.
Day One of the IGCF 2017 emphasized the importance of constant government communication between the governments and societies which would reduce confusion, confrontation and promote sense of participation. Ultimate it would promote sense of mutual trust and respect between the government and the society. It would accelerate community development. It would foster youth development in right direction. It would also be used to educate people at large about the importance of climate change.
Day One of the IGCF 2017 also highlighted different successful initiatives, policies and programs of the United Arab Emirates to achieve the goals of United Nations‟ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have become the top priority of government programmes, international institutions, media organisations and civil society. UAE has knowledge based economy which is also smarter to achieve sustainable development. It has highest ratios of women empowerment in the region. It is the happiest country in the region in terms of qualitative life, social development, societal harmony, multiculturalism and above all peace.
Day One of the IGCF 2017 stressed the need to have a functional partnership between public-private sectors for the wellbeing of the humanity and societies at large. An ideal combination of public-private partnership holds the key of socio-economic prosperity in the region and beyond. UAE is the ideal example of new concept of human survival and rigorous industrialization where under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Emirate Sharjah stands for diversification of resources and production channels.
During Day One of the said IGCF 2017, speakers also highlighted the importance of correct reporting and suggested different ways and means to create reliability while reporting. It suggested the strict role of regulatory bodies to promote a fair and a just cause in the mass media.
Human survival and dreams of a qualitative life are endangered due to many multidimensional socio-economic issues which were thoroughly discussed during the Day One of the sixth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017).
From the climate change and global warming threat, to issues around education, healthcare and economic diversification attendees and dignitaries of diverse expertise weighed in on tangible strategies and solutions that governments, private sector and civil society can tap into to achieve long-term welfare, growth and sustainability. They drew on the importance of government communication in achieving the United Nations‟ sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the GCC region.
Day 2nd of the IGCF thoroughly discussed and tabled innovative solutions to existing and emerging global challenges. It projected the Sharjah government’s pro-development and pro-people policies which are now paying its dividends. During 2nd day of the forum widespread negativity in Arab mass media, psychological make-over of negativity and the last but not the least UAE’s government initiatives were discussed and every aspect was also explored to overcome this sentiment of negativity in the Arab media. Value of happiness and “feel good” was also pinpointed during the discussion.
UAE government has already taken lots of initiatives to tame high elements of negativity in Arab media i.e. highlighting positive news and experiences, including WAM’s section for positive stories, Sharjah TV’s ‘Al Bath Al Mubashir’, Sharjah Radio’s ‘Al Atheer’, Noor Dubai’s segment ‘Positive Minutes’, Al Khaleej newspaper’s initiative of ‘Country of Happiness’ and 24.ae’s ‘Happiness Bulletin’.
Former German President Horst Köhler one of the key speakers of the Day Two delivered a keynote speech and urged the participants of IGCF 2017, to think, act and work jointly to cope with the alarming situation of climate change, inequalities and weakness of prevailing international economic system. He rightly termed increasing economic protectionism is one of the biggest threat to globalization and internationalism.
Global media trends in coverage of sustainable development, importance of accuracy and transparency in Media and government communication and development goals in the Arab world was also discussed during IGCF 2017 Day Two.
Importance of children’s education, need of innovations and investments, collaborative development, importance of media in shaping the lives of disabled people, Sharjah city’s humanitarian services and prominent role of disabled people in the development of society were also studied along with different case studies of government communication strategies were also highlighted.
One of the important sessions of Day Two was entitled “Impact of Conflicts and Refugees on Arab Development” during which serious issues of female refugees and conflict’s reporting were projected the spill over socio-economic repercussions of these human crises.
One of the most important sessions was entitled “Power of Brand Image and the Economy of Nation Branding”. It discussed the strategic importance of national branding in terms of greater economic integration, regional connectivity and better political understanding. Successful case studies of USA, UK and Germany were also projected. One session was arranged on “Youth Energy” which suggested different diversified but integrated measures to control the genie of unemployment. Young people are the real strategic assets of the region as well as the world which needs to be educated and trained to achieve desired goals of UN SDGs, peace and harmony.
