Sharjah IGCF 2025 Highlights Quality of Life Goals

The city of Sharjah has once again shown its leadership on the world stage by hosting the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Over the course of two days, the event welcomed 14,800 delegates from across the globe, including government officials, academics, media professionals, and experts in communication. The forum, organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), ran under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life”.

This year’s edition was not just another conference; it became a global meeting point where leaders and thinkers came together to discuss issues that affect everyday life—such as food security, health, education, the green economy, and sustainability.

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Sessions, Talks, and Workshops

The forum had a rich programme that kept the audience engaged throughout the two days. In total, there were more than 110 activities, designed to give both experts and participants the chance to share knowledge and experiences.

• 51 panel discussions where global leaders shared insights on pressing issues.

• 7 inspiring talks from renowned personalities who motivated audiences to think differently.

• 22 practical workshops that gave hands-on knowledge and skills.

• Several interactive initiatives and open discussions across 22 platforms to encourage active community participation.

The variety of formats ensured that the event was not just about listening but also about learning, sharing, and building new ideas together.

Participation of Global Partners

The 14th IGCF was supported by over 30 partners, including government institutions, international organisations, media agencies, research centres, and technology companies. These partnerships gave the event a stronger international flavour and highlighted the importance of multilateral collaboration. The forum stood as proof that when different sectors—public, private, academic, and media—come together, they can create solutions to global challenges.

Honouring Key Contributors

During the closing ceremony, His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB, along with Her Excellency Alya Bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, honoured the key partners and speakers who played a big role in the forum’s success. This tradition of recognising contributors showed the forum’s spirit of gratitude and teamwork.

Some of the honoured organisations included:

• United Arab Emirates University (UAEU): For organising the University Challenge and leading thematic sessions.

• Department of Government Relations in Sharjah: For hosting diplomats and driving discussions on global well-being.

• Sharjah Broadcasting Authority: For providing media support and full coverage of the event.

• Invest Bank: For encouraging dialogue and innovative communication practices.

These acknowledgements reflected the collaborative spirit that the forum is built upon.

Communication as a Tool for Quality of Life

In his speech at the conclusion of IGCF 2025, H.E. Tariq Saeed Allay explained how communication has become more than just sharing information. He called it a “language of trust and partnership” that allows governments and people to create solutions together.

He also emphasised that discussions on food security, healthcare, education, the environment, and sustainable growth were not random topics but connected directly to improving quality of life. For Sharjah, he said, quality of life must be the guiding principle of development policies.

This vision echoes the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who has long promoted the idea that communication should be a tool for sustainable development and fairness.

Awards That Inspire

The forum closed with the announcement of the winners of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) 2025. This award honours innovation and creativity in the field of government communication worldwide. By celebrating best practices, the award encourages governments and institutions everywhere to improve their communication strategies and make them more effective for people.

The award also proved that IGCF is not only about discussions but also about actionable outcomes that influence the real world.

Why IGCF Matters to the World

The IGCF has grown to become one of the most respected platforms for government communication in the world. Its strength lies in bringing together leaders, experts, and communities to talk about shared challenges. This year, the focus on sustainability, human development, and innovation added even more importance to the gathering.

In a world facing climate change, food shortages, and health crises, forums like IGCF play a role in shaping policies that directly affect ordinary people. By encouraging open dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership, Sharjah has shown that communication can guide societies toward progress.

Sharjah’s Role as a Global Leader

Hosting the IGCF has cemented Sharjah’s position as a global hub for dialogue and collaboration. The emirate is no longer just a cultural capital of the Arab world, but also a rising leader in communication, sustainability, and international cooperation.

Through events like this, Sharjah shows that it is committed to creating a better future—not only for its people but for humanity at large. This global vision is rooted in its leadership’s belief that human causes should always be at the centre of development.

A Forum That Looks to the Future

The 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum was not just about looking at today’s problems, but also about planning for the future. By focusing on topics like the green economy and sustainability, it pushed participants to think ahead and prepare for challenges that the next generations will face.

At the same time, the forum’s workshops and discussions encouraged young people, researchers, and professionals to become part of the solution. This balance between immediate action and long-term vision made the event both relevant and inspiring.

The IGCF 2025 concluded as a remarkable example of how communication can shape lives. With thousands of delegates, hundreds of speakers, and dozens of partnerships, it became more than a forum—it was a movement toward building trust, sharing knowledge, and creating solutions for humanity.

The spirit of teamwork, gratitude, and vision that marked this year’s edition is expected to carry forward into the future, ensuring that Sharjah remains a shining beacon for communication and quality of life.