Sharjah: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, participated in significant sessions on the second day of the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025). His presence highlighted Sharjah's dedication to fostering international dialogue on critical societal and economic issues.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Deputy Ruler attended the session titled 'The Green Economy. A New Vision for Food and Development,' which focused on innovative sustainability and resource management strategies. Another session, 'Human Stories in Life and Education. Inspiring Communities, Redefining Quality of Life,' emphasized the transformative role of education and storytelling in creating resilient and cohesive communities.
The first session featured prominent figures such as Professor Titus O. Awokuse from Michigan State University, Hamed Al Hamed of the Emirates Agricultural Pioneers Association, Charlie Humphreys from Asia House, and Dina Sherif of the MIT Kuo Sharper Centre. Hamed Al Hamed discussed the UAE's modern approach to agriculture, highlighting a multi-sector model integrating agri-tourism, food processing, and AI consulting, among others. He emphasized initiatives like farm-based training and agri-tourism to establish a strategic sector that could be replicated regionally.
Dina Sherif stressed the importance of linking science with business to ensure the success of a green economy. She pointed out that innovation must reach commercial markets to have a real impact and underscored the role of universities in driving this change. Sherif also mentioned the potential of female STEM graduates in the Arab world as key contributors to sustainable development.
Charlie Humphreys argued for increased agricultural investments to adapt to environmental changes and highlighted the impact of US-China trade tensions on global markets. He advocated for a better understanding of market dynamics and the importance of sustainable production for food security.
Professor Titus O. Awokuse focused on the role of universities in supporting food security by serving as information hubs and embedding green-economy skills in education. He called for increased investment in agriculture to promote these values throughout society.
In another session, 'Human Stories in Life and Education: Inspiring Communities, Redefining Quality of Life,' Dr. Saeed Musabah Al Kaabi, Katie Merx, and Amaj Rahimi-Midani explored how human stories can inspire communities. Dr. Saeed highlighted Sharjah's cultural narrative, while Katie Merx emphasized the importance of human-centered narratives in storytelling. Amaj Rahimi-Midani discussed quality of life through a broader lens, advocating for a balanced narrative that includes the environment and other creatures sharing our planet.
