Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation Launches ‘Knowledge Week’ Abroad

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) has announced plans to organise its “Knowledge Week” event in a number of countries around the world to shed light on the initiatives and key takeaways from the Arab Knowledge Project, as well as on the Foundation’s projects.

The expansion is part of the Arab Knowledge Project and is organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to benefit universities, academics, and research institutes in those countries – namely: Egypt, France, Jordan, the UK, Tunisia, Bahrain, Malaysia, and the USA. The Week’s agenda includes workshops and discussion panels to showcase and explore the key takeaways from the Knowledge Summit, and the results of the Global Knowledge Index, among other topics.

MBRF’s CEO His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb said: “Launching Knowledge Week in countries around the world is a natural extension of the Knowledge Summit, which we organise on an annual basis to act as an integrated platform allowing experts and specialists to present their visions and exchange ideas. The event also seeks to build a constructive knowledge dialogue between the Foundation, prominent academics, and university students all around the world, allowing us to share the results of our knowledge-focused projects.”

The Foundation wrapped up the first leg of its international tour with Knowledge Week Egypt, which was held at the Zewail City of Science and Technology; Alexandria University (the Division of Trade and Department of Economics); Nile University; and Al Ahram Corporation. The event drew in 2,100 participants, including representatives from MBRF and UNDP, as well as professors and students. The activities were inaugurated by Dr Sherif Sedqi, CEO of the Zewail City for Science and Technology, who introduced the audience to the City’s facilities and achievements made by its students.

Knowledge Week Egypt included the Knowledge Summit Forum, which, in turn, consisted of three discussion panels, namely: Media and the Fourth Industrial Revolution; the Literacy in the Arab World Challenge; and the Global Knowledge Index. The Forum brought together prominent experts and speakers, including Former Egyptian Minister of Education Dr Yusri Al Jamal; Former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Professor Motaz Khorshid; and Head of Egypt’s National Press Authority Karam Jabr.

Dr Hani Turki, Director and Chief Technical Advisor of the Knowledge Project, followed with a presentation on the results of the Global Knowledge Index in general, the outcomes for individual sectors, and the results for Egypt, in particular, where the country recorded its best performance to date in the higher education sector, surpassing the global average. Meanwhile, H.E. Prof. Motaz Khorshid showcased the Composite Indicator for Research and Development, concluding with a discussion on the Global Knowledge Index and Egypt’s score.

Exporting Knowledge Week to countries around the world seeks to promote the use of the Global Knowledge Index as a guide to growth and sustainable development, as well as a tool for change and for political debates. The series of meetings aims to promote effective dialogue, raise awareness and inform stakeholders and the general public about key aspects and expected outcomes from the Index.