The sudden and global outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the immense value and importance of developing collective awareness via effective government communication. Taking cognizance of this key component of effective governance, the 10thedition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) will host a timely and topical discussion titled, Government Communication Methodologies & their Impact on Collective Awareness, on September27at Sharjah Expo Center.

A panel of experts will convene to highlight key and emerging strategies for raising public awareness and educating them through various government communication tools and methods, beginning with the development of speeches; choosing the type of speech, language and timing based on a situation; as well as choosing the most effective method of communication.

The session will also review models used to raise collective consciousness and explore ways of ensuring that the intended effect and immediate response are achieved.

Moderated by Faisal bin Huraiz, presenter, Sky News Arabia, the session will feature eminent personalities including Amjad Taha, Bahrain-based Regional Director of the British Middle East Centre for Studies and Research; Kuwaiti journalist and media advisor to the Kuwait Journalists Association, Muhammad Al-Mulla; Sami Al-Riyami, Editor-in-Chief of Emarat al Youmnewspaper and member of the jury for the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

The global forum, organised by IGCF is organised by the International Government Communication Centre (IGCC), a subsidiary of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), on September 26 – 27, 2021, at Expo Centre Sharjah, will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Carrying the theme, ‘Historic lessons, Future ambitions’, IGCF 2021 will host leading global thinkers, top government officials and communications experts from across the Arab region as well as around the world to head discussions and offer insights to boost the readiness of government communication teams for future challenges resulting from unpredictable global scenarios.

Since its inception in 2012, the IGCF has been successful in enhancing government communication in the UAE and the Arab world and developing communication channels between governments and communities.