Celebrated guest speakers to address Sharjah government conference

High-profile figures will be part of the eighth annual International Government Communication Forum

The International Government Communication Forum returned to Sharjah today. 
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An international cast of guest speakers - from a legendary TV host to a heralded filmmaker - will take centre stage for a major conference in Sharjah this month.

The eighth annual International Government Communication Forum will welcome 70 speakers from 15 countries, giving a platform for discussions on how people in positions of power can improve society.

The IGCF, which is being held at the Expo Centre in the emirate on March 20 and 21, will feature celebrated figures such as veteran American chat show host Larry King and filmmaker Richard Williams.

This year's conference will focus on the role of government communication in supporting and enhancing human capital development.

The event will boast 24 main sessions, three workshops and a variety of interactive activities aimed at promoting education, the future of health and personal responsibility.

One of the key sessions will be centred on the importance of sociology and human behaviour sciences and its influence on government communication practices.

The session led by Richard Williams will focus on self development and efforts to tackle racism.

Broadcaster Larry King, renowned for his 25-year run presenter of the Larry King Live show on CNN, will headline a discussion moderated by Sheikh Sultan bin Sooud Al Qasimi, an eminent Emirati author and lecturer at the Yale University Council on Middle East Studies.

Another interactive talk will have the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah at the helm, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi.

Tariq Saeed Allay, director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, said the conference will also showcase the role the UAE has played in the history of the international Expo, ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai, and will also encourage youth participation in the two-day event.

“Other new activities in this year’s forum include self-discovery stations and brain storming sessions that are dedicated to youngsters, people with disabilities, parents and government communications employees,” he said.