MBRF and UNDP Announce Agenda for 9th Knowledge Summit 2024 in Dubai

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have unveiled the agenda for the upcoming Knowledge Summit 2024, themed "Future Skills and the Artificial Intelligence Economy." Scheduled for November 18-19, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this ninth edition of the summit aims to spotlight critical discussions on the development of future skills and the role of AI in economic advancement.

The announcement, made during a press conference at Al Habtoor Palace Hotel, was attended by H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, and Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor for the Knowledge Project at UNDP, alongside UAE media representatives.

H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb emphasized the summit's role as a platform for global experts and innovators to exchange insights and solutions addressing sustainable development goals. “Each year, the Knowledge Summit creates opportunities for dialogue on digital transformation and AI integration across sectors, aligning with Dubai’s commitment to future-readiness,” he stated. “This year’s focus will be on AI’s potential in shaping industries and enhancing human skills.”

The summit will feature the unveiling of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2024, a vital resource for understanding development challenges and supporting sustainable pathways. Additionally, the prestigious Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award will honor notable contributions to global progress and development.

Key highlights of the Knowledge Summit 2024 include:

• The 3rd UNESCO World Conference on Open Educational Resources (OER), held in the Arab region for the first time, emphasizing digital cooperation and global participation.
• The inaugural Global Alliance for Skills Development meeting and the introduction of the Future Skills Academy, supporting future-oriented skill-building for Arab youth as part of the FutureSkills4All project.
• Coursera-led panel discussions on AI's impact on education, covering adult education, vocational training, and innovations in higher education.

Dr. Hany Torky noted the summit’s significance in supporting the Arab region’s digital evolution, stating that the GKI and the Future Skills Academy will provide essential resources to empower individuals for sustainable economic growth.

The summit will feature workshops, interactive sessions, and panels with international speakers covering topics such as AI's role in innovation, eco-friendly technology for sustainable development, the future of cybersecurity, and AI’s applications in space exploration.