Post by : Layla Badr
Sharjah, UAE – September 11, 2025 – His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum today at Expo Centre Sharjah. The two-day forum is organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) and brings together over 237 speakers from around the world to discuss government communication under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life.”
The event was attended by prominent figures including His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council and wife of the Ruler of Sharjah.
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Keynote Address Highlights: Learning from History
At the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi delivered the keynote address. He spoke about how communication and consultation have been central to building prosperous societies throughout history.
He cited the example of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, a wise and just ruler, who ensured wealth was fairly distributed. His policies focused on eradicating poverty, repaying debts, and even feeding animals. Importantly, these decisions were made through consultation with knowledgeable advisors and not by the ruler alone. This ensured that public resources were used transparently and fairly.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said:
"Decisions that affect the people should not be made by one individual. They should come through dialogue, listening to wise minds, and reaching a consensus. Public funds are not privileges for a few but rights for everyone, managed with justice and transparency."
He added that these historical lessons remain relevant today. Communication helps understand society’s needs, convert resources into social benefits, and make people partners in development rather than mere recipients.
"From the past until now, the rule is simple: development requires communication, and decision-making requires dialogue," he said.
Sharjah’s Commitment to People-Centered Development
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah also highlighted how Sharjah follows this model today. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, people are at the center of development, culture is at the heart of communication, and values guide progress.
He emphasized that Sharjah’s approach also includes children and youth in decision-making. Programs like the Sharjah Children’s Shura Council and the Sharjah Youth Shura Council, supported by the Rubu' Qarn foundation chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, help amplify young voices.
"The community’s voice is not only about adults; children and youth also have a say. They are partners in shaping the future," Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi explained.
The Forum: Communication for Quality of Life
Speaking about the forum itself, His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi explained its main principle: communication must benefit people to be effective.
Since its beginning, the forum has focused on improving government communication, not only in Sharjah but globally. Each year, the forum dedicates a theme to explore how communication can enhance society. This year, the focus is on quality of life.
"Quality of life is not built by laws alone," he said. "It is built through trust, dialogue, and connecting institutions with people. History shows that even the greatest projects fail without communication, while small initiatives succeed when people are involved."
Panel Discussion: From Family Awareness to Social Solidarity
The forum also featured a panel discussion with Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi. The session, titled From Family Awareness to Social Solidarity, focused on the importance of empowering families, children, and women in society.
Her Highness shared her personal journey, including the establishment of the Al Muntazah Girls Club, which provided a safe space for girls and women to develop skills, engage in sports, and participate in cultural activities. Initially, gaining the trust of parents was a major challenge, but it eventually laid the foundation for generations of empowered women and girls.
Sheikha Jawaher emphasized the importance of protecting children from psychological trauma, particularly in war-affected areas. She said:
"Every child has the right to grow in a safe and stable environment. Exposing children to war and trauma is unethical. We must do everything possible to protect them."
Advocacy for Refugee Children
Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher also shared her work as a global advocate for refugee children, collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). She has visited initiatives and projects around the world, including:
The Zaatari Refugee Camp clinic in Jordan
The NOOR Gaza Orphan Care Programme
A secondary school for refugee girls in Kenya
Through these visits, she highlighted the importance of providing education, care, and hope to children affected by conflict.
The Rubu’ Qarn Foundation: Shaping Future Leaders
The Rubu’ Qarn foundation, based in Sharjah, supports over 30,000 young members through 31 centers. The foundation nurtures leadership qualities from an early age and teaches that true leadership is about serving society.
Her Highness explained:
"The Rubu' Qarn centre encourages children to choose their career paths early and teaches them that leadership is a responsibility, not just a title. Leaders are those who serve society and work for the country’s development."
Closing Remarks: Building a Better Future Through Communication
Both leaders emphasized that communication is the key to better governance, social development, and quality of life. By including citizens of all ages and backgrounds in decision-making, Sharjah aims to build a society based on trust, dialogue, and fairness.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi concluded:
"The smallest projects succeed when people are partners, and the greatest initiatives fail without communication. Sharjah’s model proves that involving the community ensures that development benefits everyone."
The 14th International Government Communication Forum in Sharjah highlighted the importance of communication for improving quality of life. Leaders of Sharjah emphasized consultation, dialogue, and community involvement as key to progress. The forum included speeches, panel discussions, and examples of Sharjah’s initiatives to empower families, children, and youth. The event reinforced that leadership and development are most effective when people are partners in decision-making.
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