+SocialGood at the International Government Communication Forum

+SocialGood Connectors and Advisors from India, Morocco, Nigeria, Jordan, and the United States journeyed to Sharjah, UAE to explore the future of government communications.

From the introduction of artificial intelligence and social media to the inclusion of new voices and populations, governments are communicating with their constituents like they never have before. The International Government Communication Forum brought together global leaders to look at these trends and analyze the best ways to ensure that government communication is collaborative, engaging, and effective.

Here are three things we learned:

Communication is not just an art, it is also a science.

Many communicators put the buggy before the horse by focusing on creative tactics before sitting down and designing strategic campaigns. Speakers at the International Government Communication Forum reminded the audience that by utilizing big data, artificial intelligence, and other technologies, governments can look at their long-term goals, target the appropriate communities, test messages, and then design their tactics. By integrating both art and science, communications can be creative and effective.

Good communication is two-directional.

Effective communications campaigns cannot be designed only on the broadcasting of information. Governments must work strategically across their constituencies to make their communications inclusive, engaging, and collaborative. The event’s speakers spoke about the importance of including everyone’s voice, especially giving more space to young people and women. Technology is giving us the platform to engage, it is up to governments to use it.

Change is exponential and governments need to adapt fast.

The event highlighted the rapid transformation of technology and the intense way it affects our societies. Gavin Anderson, Director of the British Council in the UAE, stated that “the young generation will change the world in ways we can only begin to imagine.” In order to keep up with ever-evolving innovations, government communications must be adaptable, flexible, and transparent. Governments that remain in the past will lose the chance to engage with their citizens and build a stronger nation.

See more highlights from the International Government Communication Forum! Check out our Twitter Moment here.