The 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025) concluded its two-day agenda at Expo Centre Sharjah, drawing 14,800 delegates from governments, academia, and media worldwide, and reaffirming Sharjah’s role as a global hub for leaders and experts to address quality-of-life priorities.
Organized by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), under the theme ‘Communication for Quality of Life’, the forum hosted 237 international speakers who shared their insights and expertise through more than 110 sessions.
This included 51 panel discussions, 7 inspiring talks, 22 practical workshops, as well as interactive initiatives and open dialogues across 22 platforms designed to enhance community participation and generate joint initiatives.
IGCF 2025 also featured over 30 local, regional, and international partners, ranging from government entities and global organizations to research centers, media, and technology institutions. This reflects the forum’s importance as a space for multilateral collaboration in addressing human challenges and building a more sustainable future.
In addition, His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director-General of SGMB; together with Her Excellency Alya Bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB; honored strategic and support partners, sponsors and keynote speakers in appreciation of their contributions to the success of IGCF 2025; embodying the collaborative spirit that underpins the forum.
Through these partnerships and participation of valued guests, the IGCF 2025 provided an exemplary demonstration of how governments, academia, media, and the private sector can work hand-in-hand to serve human development and improve quality of life.
Honorees included the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), for organizing the University Challenge and several thematic sessions; Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, for hosting important diplomats and contributing to discussions on quality of life and the future of humanity; Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, for its media support and comprehensive coverage; and Invest Bank, for its role in fostering dialogue and innovation in communication.
Tariq Saeed Allay Director General – SGMB
“Bringing together such a diversity of leaders and experts in Sharjah to discuss food security, health, education, the green economy, and sustainability demonstrates the emirate’s belief that quality of life must be the compass that guides developmental policies. IGCF 2025 proved that communication is not merely a media channel, but a language of trust and partnership, and a tool for creating innovative solutions to shared human challenges.”
HE Tariq Saeed Allay stated that the 14th edition of IGCF embodied Sharjah’s commitment to human causes and reinforced its role as a global platform for dialogue and international partnerships. Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the forum highlighted communication as a key tool for sustainable development and for building a more balanced and just future, the Director-General added.
The IGCF 2025 concluded with the announcement of winners of the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) 2025, which honors innovation and excellence in communication practices worldwide. This reaffirmed its role as a comprehensive platform, not confined to theoretical discussions but contributing to practical directions and future initiatives with actionable impact on people’s lives.
