Sharjah: The International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2024), set to take place on September 4-5 at Expo Centre Sharjah, will spotlight emerging and evolving economic sectors, including metals, adventure tourism, space, and the silver economy. The forum will convene government officials, economic experts, and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors to explore the future of these critical industries.
This year’s theme, ‘Agile Governments… Innovative Communication,’ marks the 13th edition of the forum and will focus on how these sectors can contribute to sustainable and inclusive development, locally and globally. The discussions are pivotal as the UAE celebrates significant achievements in economic diversification, particularly in non-oil sectors.
Adventure Tourism Sector
According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global adventure tourism market is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2032. Recognizing this potential, IGCF 2024 will emphasize the ‘adventure economy,’ exploring how this rapidly growing sector can enhance global competitiveness and serve as a significant soft power.
The session titled ‘When Adventure Turns into a Soft Power’ will delve into the potential of adventure tourism to transform a country’s global image. It will discuss opportunities for growth, innovation, and employment within the sector, highlighting how entrepreneurship and investment can boost its contribution to GDP.
Communication and Economic Resilience
In response to recent global economic fluctuations, IGCF 2024 will also address the importance of economic resilience. The session ‘From the Core of a Resilient Economy to Communication Arts’ will examine how fostering resilience can lead to balanced growth and sustainable development.
Experts will discuss how effective communication strategies can bolster resilience across various sectors, promoting partnerships, community involvement, and long-term sustainability. The session will also explore the broader implications of resilience on social development and living standards.
Focus on the Silver Economy
Demographic changes over the past three decades have led to the rise of the silver economy, a sector focused on products and services for senior citizens. By 2050, it is estimated that over 17% of the global population will be seniors, prompting governments to rethink their approach to this demographic.
The ‘Gov. Talks’ platform will feature a session titled ‘How Does Aging Become the Core of the Silver Economy?’ which will explore strategies for advancing the silver economy through communication. Discussions will cover attracting investments, supporting startups and SMEs, and fostering collaboration between governments and the private sector.
To participate and explore the business and social dimensions of IGCF 2024 in Sharjah, you can reserve your seat via the International Government Communication Centre (IGCC) website.
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