Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation Launches 'Future Skills Academy' to Empower Arab World

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has unveiled the 'Future Skills Academy' as part of the 'Knowledge Project'. This initiative, announced during the 'Digitalization for Sustainable Development' event at the 79th UN General Assembly session, aims to empower individuals across the Arab world through educational programs focused on future skills.

The academy's launch represents a significant step towards building a knowledge-based economy in the UAE and the broader Arab region. With a target to reach over a million people, the initiative seeks to address the growing gap between job market demands and graduates' skill sets. This is particularly crucial given that youth constitute nearly half of the region's population, with a quarter facing unemployment.

Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, emphasized the academy's role in equipping future generations with skills to develop sustainable solutions and advance the knowledge economy. The initiative aligns with Dubai's ambition to become a global knowledge hub and aims to nurture talented youth capable of addressing sustainable development challenges.

The Future Skills Academy will offer a range of certified programs, both online and in-person, targeting students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and government officials. It aims to bridge the digital divide in the Arab region, where despite 70% internet penetration, only 1.7% of the population is recognized as 'digital talent'.

This initiative is particularly significant in the context of the Arab world's digital transformation. By focusing on enhancing digital capabilities and addressing labor market inequalities, including gender disparities, the academy stands to play a crucial role in preparing the region's workforce for future challenges. The emphasis on partnerships with universities and the private sector further strengthens its potential impact on practical educational outcomes and social innovation.

The launch of the Future Skills Academy marks a strategic investment in the Arab region's future, potentially reshaping the educational and employment landscape. Its success could have far-reaching implications for economic development, innovation, and the region's competitiveness in the global digital economy.