The 4th annual Knowledge Summit, arranged by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), started its second day with a high-profile panel going over the inaugural Global Knowledge Index, launched yesterday (November 21, 2017).

Held under the patronage of His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of MBRF Chairman H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Knowledge Summit 2017 bears the theme Knowledge and the Fourth Industrial Revolution and takes place on November 21-22, 2017, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The panel brought the leading numbers on the Index, namely: MBRF's CEO His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb; Dr Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor of the Arab Knowledge Project; and Michael O'Neill, Assistant General of the United Nations.

" What can not be measured could not be improved," noted H.E. bin Huwaireb, "we began our efforts to quantify and determine knowledge with reports, which became indices covering all Arab nations and currently, with directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, we have actually expanded the Index to end up being worldwide, covering 131 countries."

" The Index is a instrument to help decision-makers in monitoring and administration, as well as in getting ready for the future," H.E. asserted. "If we're well prepared, we can make certain our future is brilliant. If not, we take the chance of losing time and resources. The Arab world is not doing not have in universities, we have extremely well-known universities in all Arab nations. What we require is research study centres - we have to buy scientific research and study to boost knowledge. Knowledge is important to plan for the future. The UAE has made terrific strides in that regard: at the nation's creation in 1971, illiteracy was typical among Emiratis; now, it is practically non-existent."

The Global Knowledge Index was management and administration with the United Nations Advancement Program (UNDP) and looks for to support knowledge projects, as well as financial and community development methods around the globe, while serving as a roadmap for the sustainable development of societies.

UN Assistant Secretary General Michael O'Neill said: "It is difficult to overstate the value of data event. It is the first step for establishing reliable policies and this is what makes this Index such a crucial initiative that provides pertinent information covering several markets. At the end of the day, what can not be gauged can not be taken care of."

" The United Nations can play an essential function in aiding nationwide federal governments efficiently make use of information," O'Neill proceeded, "we could attach developing countries with governments such as the UAE's and others that have done well because respect. The UAE demonstrates the results of visionary management: the nation now ranks 25th on the Knowledge Index and second in the economy sector - a commendable progress."

The last index consists of 131 nations from all areas of the world and makes up an overall of 133 unique variables, from various sources, and with stringent information availability addition regulations. Strategies are underway to increase data schedule and consist of even more nations in the future.

Dr Torky, for his part, said: "There isn't really a knowledge void between Arab nations and the rest of the world, rather there is an information space, which has limited the ability to measure knowledge in the region. The factor behind this void in a few of the nations in the region stems from disproportionate investment in pick sectors with not enough funds mosting likely to others. To prepare the Index, we look at details fields that influence knowledge, despite which nation it is. The criteria we examine include college; pre-university education; technical/vocational training and continued education; info and interaction innovation; scientific research study and innovation; economics; and allowing settings."

Dr Torky went on to explain: "If countries just think about supplying the essentials for their residents, they will not have the ability to sustain themselves. If governments buy knowledge, they encourage their people to attend to themselves. This is where this index can be of excellent aid: it enables governments to figure out the fields they truly have to concentrate on."

The Knowledge Summit's sessions review the principle of the 4th Industrial Transformation and the background of the previous commercial revolutions, as well as their influence on decision-making processes. In addition, professionals consider the future of these developments, their impacts on knowledge and various other elements of human life, and their impact on media, modern technology, education, health care and the economy.