Sharjah’s Role in Global Governance: A Reflection on Quality of Life at the 14th International Government Communication Forum
In an increasingly interconnected world, the manner in which governments communicate and engage with their constituents has never been more critical. The emirate of Sharjah has taken significant strides in positioning itself as a pivotal player in the global discourse surrounding governance, diplomacy, and quality of life. On the second day of the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025), the Sharjah Department of Government Relations (DGR), under the stewardship of Sheikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, convened a high-caliber diplomatic discussion aimed at translating the forum’s theme, “Communication for Quality of Life,” into practical and impactful strategies that resonate with community needs.
The forum opened with a thought-provoking panel discussion entitled “Are We Aligned on the Meaning of Quality of Life? Lessons from the World.” Here, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi shared the stage with Alison Milton, the Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE, as they navigated the complex and multifaceted concept of quality of life—an aspiration sought by societies worldwide yet often influenced by cultural and contextual specifics.
In the course of their discourse, both speakers provided insightful observations on how the quality of life is defined and understood in various settings. Sheikh Fahim highlighted the notion of a ‘prosperity dividend’ that has emerged from generational progress within the UAE. He articulated that the improvements in living standards witnessed today stem directly from the foresight and leadership of those who came before, affirming the value of historical context in shaping present realities. “With such a diverse population, policy in the UAE, and by extension, in Sharjah, must be both flexible and inclusive,” he asserted, signaling a commitment to adapt government initiatives to accommodate the complexities of a multicultural society.
Ambassador Milton augmented this dialogue with a reflective call to consider the essence of quality of life, emphasizing human dignity as a foundational element. “It’s good to pause and think about what quality of life means and how fortunate we are,” she stated, shedding light on how societal progress cannot be equitably measured without acknowledging the conditions of the less privileged. Through her lens, Ambassador Milton articulated that true quality of life encapsulates personal freedoms, access to essential resources like food and clean water, as well as safety and security. She posited that genuine human connections and a feeling of belonging within one’s community are critical in fostering dignity, suggesting that while nations may excel on global indices, the authentic assessment of quality of life arises from the lived experiences of individuals within a society.
The discussions did not merely rest on theoretical musings; they pivoted towards actionable frameworks for community-building. Following the initial panel, the DGR Pavilion welcomed another vital conversation, “Building Solution Communities.” In this session, Sheikh Fahim was joined by Jorge Archila, the Ambassador of Guatemala to the UAE, as they delved into the significance of trust and inclusive dialogue as cornerstones of effective governance.
Sheikh Fahim emphasized the necessity of active listening as an essential skill for those in authority: “Listening is the most important thing one can do, especially in a position of authority.” This perspective reinforces the notion that effective governance extends beyond merely implementing policies; it necessitates an openness to communication and a willingness to address the concerns of diverse populations.
As Sharjah takes its place at the forefront of the global governance dialogue, the commitment to nurturing communities grounded in trust and mutual respect has never been timelier. The discussions at IGCF 2025 illustrate a thoughtful approach to governance that is not isolated from the societal fabric, but rather deeply intertwined with the lived realities of citizens. By fostering such dialogues, Sharjah is not only enhancing its own governance framework but also contributing meaningfully to the global conversation on quality of life.
In conclusion, the engagements at the 14th IGCF serve as a testament to Sharjah’s dedication to addressing complex societal issues through diplomacy and inclusive dialogue. The insights garnered from this high-level forum highlight the imperative for governments to remain adaptable, informed, and engaged with the communities they serve. The reflections shared during these discussions not only underscore challenges but also illuminate pathways toward a shared vision of a high quality of life, resonant with dignity and respect for all.
—
Tags: #UAE #BusinessNews #PeopleCultureNews