Latifa Bint Mohammed Inaugurates The 9th Knowledge Summit Focusing On Future Skills And AI Economy
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the 9th Knowledge Summit. This event, organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is held at the Dubai World Trade Centre until 19 November 2024.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, highlighted the Summit's role as a key global event for knowledge and innovation. He described it as a platform uniting shared visions and goals, making knowledge crucial for a sustainable future. "This year’s theme, ‘Future Skills and AI Economy,’ aligns with the nation’s commitment to cultivating a knowledge-based economy," he stated.
The Knowledge Summit has become a prominent global platform, attracting experts from around the world. It facilitates idea exchange and highlights knowledge's role in addressing global challenges. H.H. Sheikha Latifa emphasised its importance in enhancing Dubai’s status as an innovation hub.
The Summit encourages knowledge-based societies and international collaboration for global progress. It focuses on nurturing future talent and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for development. By combining human creativity with technology, AI becomes a key driver of new opportunities.
On the first day of the Summit, Sweden topped the 2024 Global Knowledge Index (GKI), followed by Finland and Switzerland. The UAE ranked highest among Arab nations. The GKI measures national knowledge capacity across education, research, innovation, and IT.
The Index also introduced new variables to align with evolving global trends. Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari from UNDP noted that knowledge production is essential for sustainable development. The Knowledge Project offers an innovative framework to assess global knowledge levels.
Awards Celebrating Innovation
The opening day also saw winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award 2024 announced. Honourees included Juma Al Majid, Dr. Andrew Ng, Dr. David M. Clark, Dr. Anke Ehlers, and Dr. Ahmed Eid Khamis Thani Almheiri for their contributions to science and innovation.
The Award recognises individuals advancing humanity through knowledge and innovation. It celebrates efforts dedicated to transforming society using these powerful tools.
Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari added that GKI evaluates our ability to navigate rapid changes in technology during the Fifth Industrial Revolution: "It penetrates every institution—commercial or governmental—at a pace never seen before."
The Summit reflects joint efforts by MBRF and UNDP to advance the knowledge economy globally. It aims to improve community well-being and achieve comprehensive development while cementing UAE’s position as a hub for progress.
With inputs from WAM
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