The sixth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017) is set to host a “youth circle” on the first day of the high-profile event.
Held under the patronage of Sultan bin Mohamed Al-Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah, the event runs from March 22-23 at the Expo Center 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 ages 15-30 from various backgrounds and specializations.
The youth circle will be led by Shamma bint Sohail Al-Mazrui, UAE minister of state for youth affairs and chairperson of the Emirates Youth Council, and 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.
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.
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.”

Source: Arab News