The International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) 2025 concluded in Sharjah with the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) ceremony, celebrating excellence in the field under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life.”
The two-day forum brought together global leaders, experts, and innovators to address pressing challenges in food security, health, education, sustainability, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in government communication. Participants underscored that strategic communication is central to building trust, fostering cooperation, and developing effective policy responses to global issues.
A strong focus was placed on the responsible use of AI, from content creation to citizen engagement, with speakers emphasising the balance between technological efficiency and human oversight. Humanitarian concerns also featured prominently, with calls for stronger international assistance to support internally displaced populations amid severe funding gaps faced by agencies such as the NHCR.
Youth engagement and innovation were highlighted through initiatives like the University Challenge, with leaders stressing the need to invest in digital skills and future-ready capacities, particularly in a fast-growing environment such as the UAE.
Closing the session, Dr. Karan Rajan, a medical doctor, author, and one of social media’s leading health communicators, spoke about the double-edged impact of digital media. He noted that while platforms can spread life-saving awareness, such as encouraging cancer screenings to vast audiences, they are equally vulnerable to misinformation. Citing that nearly 80 percent of online nutrition and health content is produced by unqualified influencers, he warned of fear-driven tactics, deepfakes, and the ethical dilemmas facing both platforms and creators.
The forum’s concluding message reflected the breadth of discussions: communication, when harnessed responsibly, remains the most powerful tool to unite societies, guide innovation with human purpose, and improve quality of life across sectors.
