DUBAI, UAE, November 19, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ — Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Knowledge Summit 2024 kicked off today, convening global leaders and innovators to share insights on the challenges and opportunities related to knowledge sector and future skills.
The opening ceremony of the event was attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of the Dubai Council, in addition to other distinguished figures and personalities.
The Summit, which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and running until November 19, 2024, is one of the world’s leading platforms for sharing insights and experiences on the future of knowledge and innovation. It is being hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The Knowledge Summit has established itself as a premier global platform, bringing together experts, researchers, academics, thought leaders, and decision-makers from around the world to foster the exchange of insights and ideas, amplifying the role of knowledge in shaping the future and addressing humanity’s pressing challenges. It also strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and intellectual advancement.
During his speech, His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, emphasized that the Knowledge Summit has become a cornerstone among major global events dedicated to knowledge and innovation. H.E. added that the Summit now serves as a platform for unified visions and shared goals, reinforcing knowledge as a critical pillar for building a sustainable and prosperous future for the region and its future generations.
His Excellency stated: “This year’s theme, ‘Future Skills and AI Economy’, aligns seamlessly with the nation’s unwavering efforts to cultivate a knowledge-based economy and harness the potential of artificial intelligence across diverse sectors. It also underscores Dubai’s leadership in the knowledge sector and its commitment to driving innovation as a key enabler of growth. This initiative reflects the collaborative efforts of MBRF and UNDP to elevate the knowledge economy, empowering individuals and institutions to utilize knowledge as a transformative tool. The Summit aims to improve community well-being and achieve comprehensive economic and intellectual development.”
H.E. Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for the Arab States said: “The pursuit of knowledge production, dissemination, and utilization is not merely a choice but a critical necessity for advancing sustainable development. This is why the Knowledge Project, emerging from the Arab region to the global stage, introduces an innovative framework for assessing knowledge levels across all nations.”
He added: “The Global Knowledge Index does more than evaluate knowledge. It gauges our capacity to navigate the rapid transformations of the Fifth Industrial Revolution. This era is defined by swift advancements in cutting-edge technologies and integrated digital connectivity, posing unique opportunities and unprecedented challenges to our societies and economies. It penetrates the core of every institution—be it commercial or governmental—at a pace never seen before.”
On the opening day of the Summit, the 2024 Global Knowledge Index (GKI) results were unveiled, with Sweden securing the top position, followed by Finland and Switzerland in second and third place, respectively. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates attained the highest ranking among the Arab countries. Over the years, the GKI has earned its reputation as a comprehensive measure of a nation’s knowledge capacity, incorporating benchmarks across education, scientific research, innovation, and information technology (IT). The Index also introduced insights into upcoming developments, including the integration of new variables and components designed to align with the rapidly evolving global landscape and trends.
Furthermore, during the opening ceremony, the winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award 2024 winners were revealed. This year’s recipients — HE Juma Al Majid, Dr. Ahmed Eid Khamis Thani Almheiri, Dr. Andrew Ng, Dr. David M. Clark, and Dr. Anke Ehlers — were honored for their exceptional global contributions to science, knowledge, and innovation. The award celebrates individuals whose work is dedicated to advancing humanity through the power of knowledge and innovation.
Additionally, the Summit hosted the 3rd UNESCO World Open Educational Resources (OER) Congress for the first time in the Arab world. Organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Congress brought together senior officials, decision-makers, and ministers from across the globe to foster international digital collaboration and advance the global conversation on open educational resources.
The inaugural meeting of the Global Coalition for Skills Development was held during the Knowledge Summit 2024, marking a significant milestone in advancing skills for the future. The coalition’s primary objective is to establish a broad international network to support the Future Skills Academy initiative jointly launched by the MBRF and UNDP. The coalition aims to strengthen national capacities and promote skill development among younger generations across the Arab region, ensuring their readiness for future opportunities.
The Knowledge Summit 2024 brings together intellectuals, decision-makers, innovators, and experts from around the globe to explore critical topics shaping our collective future. Key discussions focus on the impact of digital transformation on the global economy, the extensive applications of AI in addressing future challenges, and strategies for advancing education and resource sustainability. The Summit also delves into the innovative skills required by the future labor market and emphasizes the significance of fostering innovation in both public and private sectors to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.
# # #
