IGCF CONFERENCE 2019

Against a global backdrop of terror attacks, government representatives and thought leaders from around the Middle East and beyond gathered to consider the role of government in the 21st century.

In 2019, it is communication, particularly between government and its citizens, which can offer stability in an unpredictable and politically unstable world.

Pitch the message in a way that polarises communities or fails to speak to the right people, and the results can be catastrophic. On the flip side, good communication reaps not just political popularity but also benefits for a nation.

Comparisons were made between Whitehouse responses to attacks on minorities and those from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand.

A stream of international panellists offered insights into how democratically elected leaders might guide their societies into a 21st century that will be dominated by climate change, Artificial Intelligence, vastly altered employment opportunities and populist politics.

At the end of the first day of the conference there was some optimism from the delegates and also a warning; that governments should be wary of a digital future – a future where technology and social media might become a tool to bring people together or a weapon to drive them apart.

00-1’59 Sharjah GVs

2’00-2’40 IGCF 2019 opening ceremony

2’42-3’31 Roger Fisk, head of President Barack Obama’s political campaign, marketing and media strategy

3’32-4’06 IGCF panel discussion

4’07-4’59 Andrew Keen, author specialising in the impact of new technology on business, education, culture and society

5’00-6’18 IGCF 2019 panel discussion

6’19-6’48 GVs of IGCF His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi

6’49-7’00 IGCF 2019 general GVs