Dubai's Knowledge Summit 2024 to Focus on AI Economy and Future Skills

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have unveiled plans for the ninth annual Knowledge Summit, set to take place on November 18-19, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This year's event, themed 'Future Skills and the Artificial Intelligence Economy,' aims to address critical challenges facing societies in the era of rapid technological advancement.

The summit will bring together international speakers from diverse fields including artificial intelligence, technology, economics, education, and environmental studies. Key topics on the agenda include the potential of human intelligence in developing advanced technologies, AI-driven transformations, the redefinition of future skills, and policies shaping AI-driven economies. The event will also explore AI's role in fostering prosperity, economic growth, and social change, as well as its applications in areas such as cybersecurity and space exploration.

One of the summit's highlights will be the release of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2024, a comprehensive resource that helps countries assess their strengths and areas for improvement across various development indicators. The GKI has become an essential tool for shaping national development strategies and identifying challenges in sustainable development pathways. Additionally, the summit will honor recipients of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to human welfare, progress, and development.

In a significant development, the summit will host the 3rd UNESCO World Open Educational Resources (OER) Congress, marking its first occurrence in the Arab world. This event is expected to draw ministers, high-ranking officials, and decision-makers from around the globe to promote digital cooperation. The summit will also feature the inaugural meeting of the Global Alliance for Skills Development and introduce the Future Skills Academy, aimed at empowering individuals in the Arab region through educational programs focused on acquiring future-ready skills.

The Knowledge Summit 2024 represents a crucial platform for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI economy. By focusing on the development of human skills in the context of technological advancement, the summit aims to support Dubai's efforts to integrate AI across all sectors and prepare for a digital future. This event underscores the city's growing role as a global hub for knowledge and innovation, facilitating international collaboration in fields such as AI, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The emphasis on future skills and AI's economic impact reflects a growing recognition of the need to prepare workforces for rapidly evolving job markets. As AI continues to transform industries, the insights and discussions at the Knowledge Summit could play a vital role in shaping educational policies, workforce development strategies, and economic planning not only in the UAE but globally. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and innovators, the summit aims to foster dialogue and collaboration that can lead to more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies in the face of technological disruption.