Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), the media arm of the Sharjah government and organisers of the annual International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), announced on Saturday that IGCF 2017 would run from March 22-23, under the theme ‘Societal Participation Comprehensive Development’.

IGCF 2017 will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The theme for the 2017 edition of the forum is inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which outline a sweeping vision for improving the lives of people across the world over the next 15 years. Launched at the expiry of deadline of the Millennium Development Goals, the SDGs are global goals that all nations are mandated to follow and include ending poverty and hunger, revitalising global partnerships for sustainable development and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of SMC, said, "IGCF annually attracts the world’s best experts in leadership and media - among other fields - to examine crucial socio-economic and communication-focussed issues. With the upcoming edition, Sharjah is keen to showcase the UAE’s commitment and successful track record in aligning its initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals."

He added given the global impetus for achieving progress with the UN’s SDGs, IGCF 2017 has a unique opportunity to rise to the occasion and play a significant role in facilitating the attainment of the goals."

As part of this priority, IGCF 2017 will focus on stimulating discussions that can add immense value to the implementation of the SDGs and engage with key stakeholders in meeting the challenges of this worldwide effort. The challenges the global community is seeking to address through the implementation of the SDGs include illiteracy, wasteful use of energy and resources, inadequate public health services and poverty.

The Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre added that by drawing experts and leaders, the forum aims to bring best international practices and exceptional government communication experiences under one roof. He noted that doing so could inspire radical changes in the public and private sectors that are vital for the successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The fifth edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2016) registered a 56% increase in attendance over 2014 and drew 4,200 prominent global leaders, university professors, students, media and visitors from the GCC countries, as well as from Asia, Europe and Africa.