Knowledge Summit 2024 Convenes Global Leaders to Address Future Skills and AI Economy

The Knowledge Summit 2024, a premier global platform for knowledge and innovation, commenced today in Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event, hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brings together experts, researchers, and decision-makers from around the world to address pressing challenges and opportunities in the knowledge sector and future skills.

This year's summit, themed 'Future Skills and AI Economy,' aligns with the UAE's efforts to cultivate a knowledge-based economy and harness the potential of artificial intelligence across various sectors. The event underscores Dubai's leadership in the knowledge sector and its commitment to driving innovation as a key enabler of growth.

During the opening ceremony, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other distinguished figures, the 2024 Global Knowledge Index (GKI) results were unveiled. Sweden secured the top position, followed by Finland and Switzerland, with the United Arab Emirates achieving the highest ranking among Arab countries. The GKI has become a comprehensive measure of a nation's knowledge capacity, incorporating benchmarks across education, scientific research, innovation, and information technology.

The summit also announced the winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award 2024, recognizing individuals for their exceptional global contributions to science, knowledge, and innovation. This year's recipients include HE Juma Al Majid, Dr. Ahmed Eid Khamis Thani Almheiri, Dr. Andrew Ng, Dr. David M. Clark, and Dr. Anke Ehlers.

In a significant development, the summit hosted the 3rd UNESCO World Open Educational Resources (OER) Congress for the first time in the Arab world. This congress brought together senior officials and ministers from across the globe to advance the global conversation on open educational resources and foster international digital collaboration.

The inaugural meeting of the Global Coalition for Skills Development was also held during the summit, marking a crucial step in advancing skills for the future. This coalition aims to establish a broad international network to support the Future Skills Academy initiative, jointly launched by the MBRF and UNDP, focusing on strengthening national capacities and promoting skill development among younger generations in the Arab region.

The Knowledge Summit 2024 addresses critical topics shaping our collective future, including 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. By bringing together global leaders and innovators, the summit plays a vital role in shaping the future of knowledge and innovation, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global hub for intellectual advancement and sustainable development.

As the world grapples with rapid technological advancements and the challenges of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, events like the Knowledge Summit become increasingly crucial. They provide a platform for global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning to ensure that societies are prepared for the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies and changing economic landscapes.