IGCF 2017 ‘Youth Circle’ to Inspire Young Emiratis to Create Innovative Solutions for Social Wellbeing

The sixth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) is set to host a ‘youth circle’ on the first day of the high-profile event, being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, from March 22 to 23 at the Expo Centre Sharjah.

The youth circle, titled ‘The Role of Government Communication in Motivating Youth to Participate in the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,’ will draw the participation of over 30 young people between 15 and 30 years of age from various backgrounds and specialisations.

The youth circle will be led by HE Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Chairperson of the Emirates Youth Council, and by HE Najla bint Mohammad Al Awar, UAE Minister of Community Development.

The session, being hosted by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) in collaboration with the Emirates Youth Council, will be presented and moderated by a group of young Emirati media personalities. The initiative has been designed to promote innovative youth engagement in a wide range of areas related to sustainable development and global challenges.

Elaborating on the significance of the initiative, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, said: “The youth circle is in line with IGCF’s theme ‘Societal Participation…Comprehensive Development’. Today, the world needs to

engage younger members of society and heed their vital recommendations if it is to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”

The youth circle will focus on how government communication can be effectively channelled to achieve sustainable development by encouraging the participation of all sections of society, particularly the youth. It will also examine ways in which government communication campaigns targeting youth can deliver superior results. The role of the media in motivating the youth to serve as engaged members of the community will also be in focus.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi praised the participation of UAE Ministers — HE Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui and HE Najla Al Awar — in the circle, noting that it will inspire the youth to express their points of view freely and confidently. He also pointed out that the youth circle reflects the UAE government’s commitment to strengthening and fine-tuning its communication practices as it strives to integrate its young citizens in the nation’s sustainable development drive.

For her part, HE Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui said: “In line with the directives of our wise leadership, the UAE government consistently supports the youth’s participation in community development. With the upcoming youth circle, we hope to expand their contribution and inspire them to add value to the UAE’s efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals.”

Elaborating on the country’s development goals, she said: “Issues like the environment, economic security and social stability are top global priorities in our world today and highly relevant to the youth, who form a large segment of the population. Through the Emirates Youth Council, we are working to empower Emiratis to become an integral part of the development process. The forum provides an important platform for youngsters looking to articulate their own perspectives on issues like the role of government communication in achieving sustainable development.”

The Sixth Edition of IGCF is being hosted by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, formerly known as Sharjah Media Centre.