The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have revealed the detailed agenda for the Knowledge Summit 2024, scheduled for November 18-19 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The summit, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will focus on the theme 'Future Skills and the Artificial Intelligence Economy,' bringing together international speakers from AI, technology, economics, education, and environmental fields.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized the summit's role as a global platform for disseminating insights and best practices to enhance knowledge generation and distribution. He stated that the event reflects Dubai's plans to integrate artificial intelligence across all sectors to support digital transformation and keep pace with global technological changes. The summit will address significant societal challenges, including human skills development and the role of the AI economy in shaping various industries.
A major highlight of the summit will be the 3rd UNESCO World Conference on Open Educational Resources, held for the first time in the Arab region in association with UNESCO. This event will bring together ministers, officials, and decision-makers from around the world to boost digital cooperation. Additionally, the summit will feature the release of the Global Knowledge Index 2024, which serves as a qualitative resource for countries' development strategies by emphasizing strengths and improvement areas across various indicators.
The summit will also host a ceremony honoring the winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award 2024, recognizing remarkable contributions to human welfare and development. Another significant event will be the inaugural meeting of the Global Alliance for Skills Development and the introduction of the Future Skills Academy, launched as part of the Knowledge Project. According to UNDP, the academy aims to empower Arab individuals through educational programs that aid in acquiring future skills, improving professional development, and contributing to economic growth and Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor at UNDP, highlighted that the summit underscores commitment to supporting Arab communities in transitioning to a more inclusive and sustainable digital future. The agenda includes interactive sessions, workshops, and knowledge events with prominent speakers addressing topics such as human intelligence innovation, AI-driven transformations, future skills redefinition, and policies shaping AI economies. Coursera, a global learning platform, will hold panel discussions focusing on AI's impact on education systems, including adult education, vocational training, and higher education innovation.
