Knowledge Summit 2017: The UAE Launches ‘Literacy in the Arab World’ Challenge

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) announced the launch of the ‘Literacy in the Arab World’ project during the opening ceremony of the Knowledge Summit 2017, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai.

As part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the new Literacy in the Arab World project is a collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The programme aims to reach 30 million young Arabs aged 18 and under by 2030. It is designed to help eradicate illiteracy in the Arab World by providing people with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a world of rapidly changing technology, using education as the best tool to combat ignorance and extremism.

By targeting the Arab World’s youth population through the programme, MBRF aims to help young people develop their skills, abilities and knowledge, enhancing their qualifications and positively influencing their behaviour. This will empower them socially, culturally and economically, enabling them to become productive members of society.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Knowledge Summit, H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: “Knowledge is a source of strength; those who own knowledge own the future. The fourth edition of the Knowledge Summit marks a decade of success for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, which is inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and MBRF Chairman H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who understand that knowledge is a key pillar for building and developing societies. Over the last 10 years, MBRF has launched initiatives and projects that have enhanced access to knowledge, not only in Dubai, but also on a regional and global level.”

He added that the Knowledge Summit is a global platform, bringing together the decision-makers and thinkers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to discuss the prospects for social, economic, academic and humanitarian development that technology enables. 

H.E. Dr Hani Al-Mulqi, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Guest of Honour at the Knowledge Summit 2017, said during the opening ceremony that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a source of empowerment for human beings. “Science and technology will consolidate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution in a way that promote peace and the furthering of humanity. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will contribute to the creation of smart and valuable projects in the trade sector, creating opportunities for countries to seize in the areas of sustainability and technological preservation. Countries must focus on human development in order to fully realise the potential of this new era; redeveloped educational systems that focus on the requirements of the technological age will ensure that people are the true benefactors of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”