Doha, February 04 (QNA) - HE Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour bin Jabor Al-Thani, Director of the Government Communications Office (GCO) and Chairman of the Permanent Web Summit Organizing Committee, has highlighted the growing importance of public trust, digital readiness, and the development of government communications in the digital age amid the rapid pace of global media change.

The statements came during a dialogue session titled "AI, media and tech: The future of government communication," hosted by Northwestern University in Qatar as part of the third day of Web Summit Qatar 2026. The session was moderated by Dr Marwan Kraidy, Dean and CEO of Northwestern University in Qatar.

HE Sheikh Jassim highlighted the central role of academic experience in shaping communications strategies, stating: "What we learned from Northwestern University in Qatar, particularly in storytelling, transparency, and honest communication, has had a direct impact on our work. Press releases remain important, but storytelling is far more important."

He noted that government communications have undergone significant changes in recent years, explaining that early investment in digital transformation has strengthened institutional readiness and responsiveness. He said: "The way we communicate internally is fully digital, and that has helped us to be proactive, fast, and accountable."

On the challenges of misinformation, the Director of the GCO stressed that building public trust is the cornerstone of addressing this issue, affirming that credibility represents the first line of defense. He added: "The main challenge is trust between the government and the public. We need to build that trust early, so that when information is shared through official channels, people know it is something they can rely on."

The discussion also addressed the role of the GCO in engaging with citizens and residents by providing accurate information on life in Qatar, the business environment, and living standards, while highlighting human experiences and stories of social integration through specialized digital platforms.

Explaining the impact of artificial intelligence on government communications, HE Sheikh Jassim stated that these technologies have become an integral part of modern communications systems, stressing the importance of using them with caution and responsibility. He said: "We believe that using AI more carefully and thoughtfully is better than rushing, to avoid mistakes in government work."

Speaking about Web Summit Qatar 2026, he affirmed that the event is an ideal platform for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, as well as keeping pace with the latest trends and best practices in digital media and communications. He referred to examples of participants who began their journey at earlier editions and later secured funding, noting that such stories reflect the summit's impact in turning ideas into real opportunities.

Concluding the session, HE Sheikh Jassim addressed students at Northwestern University in Qatar and university students in general, encouraging them to develop their practical skills and broaden their professional horizons. He said: "It is important for students to start doing internships early. The more internships and different experiences you gain, the more you learn. As communicators, we are expected to work across different sectors, and our role is to simplify complex issues and present them clearly to the public." (QNA)