The 7th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), arranged by the International Government Communication Centre of Sharjah Government Media Bureau, opened its 2nd day at Exposition Centre Sharjah with speeches by the visitor of honour Lech Wasa, former President of Poland, and HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau. The opening session was regulated by Maqsoud Kruse, Executive Director of "Hedayah".

Wasa stressed the relevance of the messages shared in the keynote address given by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, at the opening ceremony. These include values that we need to stick to as we stay in and respond to modifications of the digital era.

Wasa called on European countries to attract from Sharjah's government interaction experience, pointing to the challenges dealt with by the world community today, especially in Europe, which demands gaining from successful experiences in the management of the digital age.

Tariq Allay highlighted the crucial role played by tools of the digital age. "This needs us to optimize using such devices in government interaction, which should be legitimate, transparent and clear," he said; requiring investing in the growing use the Internet and social media.

Day two of IGCF 2018 observed the launch of the Arab Government Communication Network, the region's very first government interaction network and the Academic Board of the International Government Communication Centre.

The Forum attracted thousands of visitors and media professionals from around the world to discuss means to harness devices of the digital age for the benefit of neighborhoods, countries and whole humankind, while achieving ideal clear interaction between different components of the social fabric.

Sessions discussed Current State of Government Communication and How to Build Flexible Strategies, Female Leadership and its Role in Digital Communities, and Youth of the Future: Building Young Skills for the Digital Millennium, and many other topics and success stories.

Speakers on day 2 included Vanessa D'Ambrosio, youngest previous head of state of the Republic of San Marino, Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer system Inc, Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, Inma Martinez, AI pioneer and digital scientist, and HE Majd Shweikeh, Jordan's Minister of Information and Communication Technology, among others.