Overview
On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) announced the launch of an “Academy for Future Skills”.
The initiative is intended to develop the skills of citizens across the Arab region to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation and resilience, and drive inclusive growth, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The academy will offer a comprehensive suite of accredited programs and courses, designed to qualify 1,000,000 Arab nationals—including students, graduates, employees at public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.
The academy is a strategic investment for the future of the Arab States region. Integrating a digital economy with a digitally literate population could lead to an estimated 46 percent rise in GDP per capita over the coming years, amounting to US$1.6 trillion in long-term gains.
Pathways
- Transferable skills: soft skills, foundational digital skills, and career readiness.
- Entrepreneurial skills: technical, management, and financial skills.
- Specialized/Technical skills: AI, cybersecurity, digital marketing, machine learning, blockchain, data analysis, and much more.
Objectives
- Equip citizens, governments, and MSMEs with the digital and sustainable development skills essential to fostering community innovation and resilience.
- Collaborate with universities and the private sector to enhance learning experiences and improve practical learning outcomes.
- Promote inclusivity by addressing disparities and social gaps in the labor market and providing educational and professional programs for all groups.
