Government communication practitioners must play a crucial role in shaping need-based education policies and reforms to develop education systems that are relevant and effective in coping with today’s challenges, experts reiterated at the inaugural session of the fifth International Government Communication Forum, IGCF 2016, which opened today at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Entitled ‘Government Communication in Building Knowledge Societies’, the session highlighted the important role of government communication in shaping public opinion to ensure advancements in the existing education system. Experts called for greater alignment of modernisation policies in the educational system with the country’s overall development goals.

Panelists headlining the session also reiterated the importance of education in shaping a knowledge-based economy and in creating an enlightened and empowered workforce.

Moderated by Mayssoun Azzam, media personality from Al Arabiya News Channel, the discussion drew the participation of Fredrik Reinfeldt, former Prime Minister of Sweden, Ziauddin Yousafzai, UN Special Advisor on Global Education, Jordan Casey, young entrepreneur, owner of Casey Games and self-taught programmer, and Rajai El Khadem, Head of MENA - Public Sector LTS LinkedIn.

Fredrick Reinfeldt highlighted that the education sector is where changes occur most frequently due to technology advancements and the Internet. Therefore, schools will need constant upgrading to better prepare students to be critical thinkers in the real world.

Applauding Jordan Casey on his remarkable achievement in contributing to education through the Internet and modern technology, Reinfeldt added, "New technology is the world of knowledge and technology is our way into knowledge."

Ziauddin Yousafzai, an advocate of equal education for all children, acknowledged that he rediscovered himself through education and wanted his daughter Malala to have the same experience in school. He added, "True education is a system that prepares kids for the challenges of tomorrow."

Sharing his experience as a young entrepreneur who aspires to communicate with the younger generation, Jordan Casey pointed out that he was very fortunate to be born into the Internet era. He said, "I can reach billions of people through just one click. Anyone can achieve more than what they imagine."

Rajai El Khadem, highlighting the importance of reinforcing the knowledge component in society through sharing best practices in education and skills development over social media platforms, said, "The future is always changing, so speed of adaptability needs to change. What we know today will be different tomorrow."

Themed ‘Citizens for Prosperity’, IGCF 2016 focuses on the symbiotic relationship between governments and their people, and explores how government communication touches different aspects of people’s everyday life, either directly or indirectly, through its impact on vital socio-economic sectors. The sectors in focus include education, health care, unemployment, and poverty eradication, among others.

Source:WAM