“Media plays an important role in delivering information to everyone in a simplified way,” said Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, speaking on the sidelines of the International Government Communication Forum in Sharjah. “As a government, we look forward to working with the different forms of media to simplify scientific concepts of how important sustainability and the threat of climate change are, and send this to the public through simple and direct messages.”

He added: “The media also plays a role in helping to clarify the long-term effects of consumer behaviour on the environment, and thus works to educate the public. … Thus, change becomes part of the daily behaviour of all citizens.”

The IGCF is a two-day event at Sharjah Expo Centre, bringing together world leaders in communications, environment and sustainability. Guests on day one included former US vice-president and climate advocate Al Gore; Badr Jafar, the CEO of Crescent Enterprises and President of Crescent Petroleum United States; Dr Jeffrey Sachs, renowned development economist; and Her Excellency Najla Bint Mohammad Al Awar, UAE Cabinet Member and Minister of Community Development.