MBRF Hosts National Workshop on ‘Youth and Localization of Knowledge in UAE'

Dubai-UAE: 12 December, 2013 - Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today hosted a national workshop on ‘Youth and the Localization of Knowledge in the UAE' as part of the preparation  process of the third Arab Knowledge Report.

The 3rd Arab Knowledge Report seeks to address the issues of establishing a knowledge economy and society in the Arab world. The latest edition that will be released in 2014 is titled ‘Youth and Localization of Knowledge'.

The day-long workshop held at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers discussed the methods by which Emirati youth could be engaged at a national level in the transfer and localization of knowledge for the long term economic and social development of the UAE. In addition to identifying key areas of knowledge that need to be prioritized for active knowledge transfer, the initiative explores methods to build the capacity of the youth towards achieving sustainable human development.

His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami, UAE Minister of Education, who is also head of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, addressed the opening session of the workshop that was also attended by His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, and Dr Ghaith Fariz, Director of the Arab Knowledge Report at UNDP. The sessions additionally drew the participation of a number of Emirati scholars, as well as academic experts and media representatives from across the UAE.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: "This national workshop comes only days after the grand celebrations of the UAE's 42nd National Day. Our country today is a destination for everyone who aspires for glory, prosperity, science and knowledge.

"We believe the UAE is ahead of many countries in the region in terms of localization of knowledge among our young people. We are confident that we are on the right track towards establishing an integrated knowledge environment. However, we will not rest on our laurels and continue to forge ahead to create an advanced and integrated environment that is conducive to the development of a knowledge-based national economy. The road ahead is long and challenging, but with the right directions of our wise leadership, we will successfully reach our destination."

Dr Ghaith Fariz, Director of the Arab Knowledge Report at UNDP, said: "Young people are major stakeholders in sustainable human development in the Arab world, particularly in the UAE where they are the largest segment of the population. The Arab Knowledge Report aims to highlight the importance of establishing a knowledge-based society and economy for achieving sustainable development. Building human capital is essential to the transfer and localization of knowledge along with the fact that knowledge has become an essential value-addition in varied sectors of the economy.”

He added: “The issue of knowledge has assumed greater significance in the light of globalization that has brought with it related opportunities and challenges. The national workshop provided a chance to address these concerns at a local level. We commend the UAE's proactive approach to tackling the knowledge issues that are of importance to the entire Arab world. The country's efforts in building on its achievements to address challenges and opportunities will help in establishing an effective knowledge-based society.”

Ahead of the national workshop, surveys were conducted among young Emiratis to gauge perceptions of students at universities and higher education institutions in the UAE. The recommendations of the workshop will find place in the third Arab Knowledge Report towards supporting the development process of the UAE.

The earlier two Arab Knowledge Reports focused on Productive Intercommunication for Knowledge (2009) and Preparing Future Generations for the Knowledge Society (2011).