The 13th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) has officially commenced at the Expo Centre Sharjah in the UAE, attracting experts, scholars, and professionals from around the world. Under the theme \"Agile Governments, Innovative Communication,\" the forum is set to explore the latest advancements and challenges in the communication sector.
A key focus of this year’s IGCF is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in media. As AI technology evolves rapidly, participants are delving into its application in public communication within the digital age. Mohamed Abdul Zaher, CEO of Artificial Intelligence Journalism for Research and Forecasting, highlighted the unique challenges of AI localization for the Arabic language, which boasts over 12 million words. \"Many applications mainly work in Arabic text, yet we still need more enhancements to fully harness AI's potential in our media and academic fields,\" Zaher explained.
The forum also serves as a pivotal platform for Sharjah to broaden its cooperative efforts across various sectors. Mohamed Al Musharrakh, CEO of the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office, emphasized the UAE’s recent inclusion in the BRICS group of nations. He expressed optimism about deepening exchanges and collaborations with China, noting that Sharjah currently hosts around 700 Chinese companies and aims to increase this number by 15% in 2024. \"There are numerous projects on the horizon, particularly in the industrial and cultural sectors,\" Musharrakh stated.
With over 250 speakers and experts from across the globe, IGCF 2023 features 18 stages and more than 160 activities. Attendees can engage in panel discussions, keynote speeches, capacity-building workshops, youth-focused initiatives, and a dedicated research platform, all organized in collaboration with over 40 local, regional, and international partners. This expansive agenda underscores IGCF’s role as one of the UAE's most significant annual conferences in the media and communication landscape.
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AI application the hot topic as communication forum kicks off in UAE
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