Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Unveils Future Skills Academy

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has officially launched the ‘Future Skills Academy’ as part of its overarching ‘Knowledge Project.’ This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the pressing issue of unemployment in the Arab world by equipping over a million individuals with essential skills for the modern job market. 

The announcement took place during the ‘Digitalization for Sustainable Development’ (D4SD) event, held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York. Dignitaries from various Arab nations attended, including His Excellency Osama Abdel Khalek, Egypt's Permanent Representative to the UN; Haoliang Xu, UN Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of UNDP; and key ministers from Qatar and Egypt. 

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This initiative aligns with the UAE’s ambitious vision to cultivate a knowledge-based economy fueled by innovation, leadership, and creativity. The leadership’s commitment to investing in human capital is pivotal, reflecting their belief that empowering people is essential for societal advancement. The ‘Future Skills Academy’ marks a significant milestone within the FutureSkills4All Initiative, which was launched as part of the ‘Knowledge Project’ last year. The academy's mission is clear: to empower individuals across Arab nations through diverse educational programs designed to enhance skills and foster professional growth. By doing so, the academy aims to prepare participants for future job opportunities, thus contributing to sustainable economic development throughout the region.

The ‘Future Skills Academy’ is set to make its educational programs accessible to more than a million people in the Arab world. It seeks to respond to the increasing demand from governments for specialized training that addresses educational gaps. Furthermore, it aims to tackle unemployment challenges by aligning job opportunities with the skills of new graduates. At the D4SD event, the MBRF also announced the formation of a global coalition focused on skills development. Stakeholders are invited to participate in this coalition’s inaugural meeting at the upcoming ninth edition of the Knowledge Summit in Dubai in November 2024. This coalition underscores the MBRF’s commitment to fostering innovation and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through targeted initiatives and training programs that enhance community skills.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized the importance of the ‘Future Skills Academy’ in empowering future generations. He stated that this initiative aligns with MBRF’s mission to spread knowledge globally and support community development. The academy is dedicated to bridging gaps, advancing the knowledge economy, and promoting human development in the Arab region by equipping individuals with vital skills and linking education to employment opportunities. Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States, highlighted the academy's role in bridging the digital divide in the region. He explained that this academy represents a critical advancement in their partnership with the MBRF, aiming to enhance digital capabilities within local communities and equip them to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.

The academy is designed to promote digital transformation and innovation, providing essential digital skills to individuals, governments, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It plans to collaborate with universities and the private sector to enrich learning experiences and improve practical educational outcomes. The initiative will also address labor market inequalities, including gender disparities, by offering tailored educational and vocational programs for underrepresented groups. 

In its initial phase, the Future Skills Academy will offer a variety of certified and specialized programs, both online and in-person. The programs are aimed at students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and government officials, acting as a catalyst for knowledge-driven initiatives that support global digitalization efforts. The academy is particularly focused on enhancing the skills of the youth, who make up nearly half of the Arab population. With significant unemployment rates among young people, the initiative seeks to bridge the skills gap in the labor market. Despite 70% of the population having internet access since 2022, only 1.7% are recognized as ‘digital talents,’ highlighting the urgent need for targeted skill development.

The Knowledge Summit, the leading annual knowledge event in the Arab world, provides a platform for leaders, experts, and policymakers to exchange ideas and explore technological trends. The ‘Knowledge Project’ results from a strategic partnership between the UNDP and the MBRF, aiming to promote knowledge-based societies and sustainable development. Through the launch of the ‘Future Skills Academy,’ the MBRF and UNDP are taking significant steps toward creating a more educated, skilled, and empowered Arab workforce, paving the way for sustainable economic growth in the region.

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