The fourth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2015), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, under the theme ‘Specific Actions… Better Results’ has concluded on a successful note.
Gracing the closing ceremony, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), honoured the speakers, moderators, sponsors and government agencies that participated in the forum and contributed to its success. The SMC Chairman also expressed his gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah and to special guests for their valuable insights that enriched the international event.
The two-day forum witnessed the participation of more than 40 regional and international leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, government specialists and media personnel. More than 2,500 communication experts and students from colleges and universities based in the UAE also attended the forum.
His Excellency the Chairman of SMC said: “We, in the UAE, are fully aware of the fundamental elements that need to be put in place to leverage government communication and drive its progress. We believe that through hosting this forum annually, we bring a new dimension to the concept of government communication.”
Thanking the speakers, moderators and trainers who took part in IGCF 2015, he said: “The knowledge and expertise that you, as our special guests, have shared significantly influence the outcomes of the forum. In the larger picture, your participation serves to strengthen relations between governments. Every visitor at this forum has taken away rich insights and valuable experiences. We look forward to your continued participation in our year-long celebrations this year to commemorate Sharjah’s recognition as ‘Capital of Arab Tourism’ for 2015.”
He added: “No word of thanks is adequate enough to express our gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Our Ruler’s enlightening vision has been a sustained inspiration and contributed to the success of the forum in its four consecutive edition. We pray that he may continue to guide us with his foresight and wisdom, and more importantly, his passion for effective governance. As we bring down the curtains on yet another successful edition, we hope you will take back beautiful memories of the forum, as well as of the emirate of Sharjah.”
Declaring the forum closed, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi also thanked the forum’s sponsors, which include Emirates Airlines (Airline Partner), Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre – BMW (Official Car), Getty Images, twofour54 and Microsoft (Content Partners), Sky News Arabia (Regional Media Partner), The New York Times (International Media Partner), Thomson Foundation (Training Partner), National Media Council, Al Khaleej newspaper, Al Bayan newspaper and Dubai Radio (Media Partners), National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), as well as Pink Caravan, Tim Hortons and Expo Centre Sharjah (Partners).