The Knowledge Summit 2024 commenced under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, bringing together global leaders and innovators to share insights on challenges and opportunities in the knowledge sector and future skills. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the summit serves as a premier platform for fostering knowledge exchange and addressing humanity's pressing challenges.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized that the summit has become a cornerstone among global knowledge events, reinforcing knowledge as a critical pillar for building a sustainable future. This year's theme, 'Future Skills and AI Economy', aligns with the nation's efforts to cultivate a knowledge-based economy and harness AI potential across sectors, reflecting collaborative efforts to empower individuals and institutions through transformative knowledge tools.
H.E. Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator, highlighted that knowledge production and utilization are critical for sustainable development, noting that the Global Knowledge Index evaluates nations' capacity to navigate the Fifth Industrial Revolution's rapid transformations. The 2024 index results were unveiled, with Sweden ranking first, followed by Finland and Switzerland, while the United Arab Emirates achieved the highest ranking among Arab countries, assessing benchmarks in education, research, innovation, and IT.
The summit also revealed the winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award 2024, honoring individuals for exceptional contributions to science and innovation. Additionally, it hosted the 3rd UNESCO World Open Educational Resources Congress, fostering international digital collaboration, and launched the Global Coalition for Skills Development to support the Future Skills Academy initiative by MBRF and UNDP, aiming to strengthen capacities and skill development in the Arab region.
Discussions at the summit focus on digital transformation's impact on the global economy, AI applications for future challenges, education advancement, resource sustainability, and innovative skills for the labor market, emphasizing innovation in both public and private sectors for comprehensive development.
