The 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025), organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), will take place on 10–11 September at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life.”
This year’s edition will examine how strategic communication can drive wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable development across vital sectors. Keynotes will cover a range of topics — from harnessing education to power a happiness economy, to building human-centred artificial intelligence, and rethinking global food systems — providing insights that can shape policy, inspire innovation, and guide practical actions to enhance quality of life worldwide.
The forum will host three prominent international figures in education, science, and innovation, alongside global leaders, policymakers, and communication specialists. Over the course of two days, participants will engage in 22 interactive platforms, including panel discussions, workshops, and keynote sessions focused on solutions to pressing global issues.
Among the keynote speakers is William Kamkwamba, the Malawian engineer and inventor best known for building a wind turbine from scrap materials to power his drought-hit village. In his talk, “When Thought Becomes a Force for Change,” he will illustrate how government communication can recognise and support grassroots innovation, empower communities, and strengthen food security through locally driven solutions.
Prof. Oussama Khatib, Stanford University computer scientist and President of the International Foundation of Robotics Research (IFRR), will deliver a keynote titled “New Life Code… Human Intelligence and Interactive Technology.” A recipient of the Arab Genius award, he will showcase advances in interactive robotics and their applications in healthcare, education, and crisis management. His address will also highlight the importance of embedding ethical principles and human values into smart technologies to ensure they contribute to human wellbeing.
Dr. Karan Rajan, surgeon at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and best-selling author, will present a keynote titled “Food Communication and the Protein Revolution: What Lies Ahead?” He will explore the role of communication in raising awareness of breakthroughs in protein innovation, helping societies embrace sustainable food systems that reinforce global food security.
Through its 22 platforms, IGCF 2025 will feature a wide spectrum of sessions, uniting government representatives, international organisations, academia, media, and sector experts.
The 14th edition will focus on five global priorities: food security, public health, education, environmental sustainability, and the green economy. By fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange, the forum seeks to advance quality of life, strengthen government–community communication, and encourage collective action toward a fairer, more sustainable future.
(Inputs from WAM)
