Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation completes visit to Morocco with multiple strategic talks
December 30, 2022 - The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) concluded its visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighting the significance of the Global Knowledge Index in advancing the knowledge sectors of Arab countries. During the visit, H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, met with several prominent representatives and officials of leading knowledge institutions from the regional level. The meetings were centred on the Global Knowledge Project and featured insightful discussions on the Arab knowledge sectors, as well as ways to advance knowledge in a variety of fields. The visit was also part of MBRF’s vision to promote the adoption of the Global Knowledge Index among the member states of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The index is released annually by the MBRF, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
As part of the visit, a high-level meeting was held, which brought together several key members, such as H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of Egypt, H.E. Dr. Abdellatif Miraoui, Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation in the Kingdom of Morocco, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), and Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager, UNDP. The meeting took place at ISESCO's headquarters, on the sidelines of the first edition of the ‘Strategic Indicators for Development in the Islamic World: The Global Knowledge Index as a Model’meeting.
The visit primarily focused on the knowledge landscape in Arab countries and the significance of collaborative learning for addressing knowledge development challenges. H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb emphasised the need for accurate statistics and data to identify obstacles and develop proactive plans to overcome them. He further highlighted the role of the Global Knowledge Index in supporting policymakers and those involved in the development of the global knowledge landscape.
Additionally, ISESCO's Executive Council held its 43rd edition, at which it reaffirmed the need to continue holding meetings on the Global Knowledge Index, as well as other strategic and development indicators, and further underscored the importance of meeting with national committees to coordinate and consult on similar issues on a regular basis. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik expressed gratitude and admiration to the MBRF for working diligently to organise this meeting in conjunction with the ISESCO and the UNDP.
H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF said: “The meeting results from the MBRF's strategic cooperation with ISESCO. It evaluates and highlights the critical role of the Global Knowledge Index report, which is annually released by the MBRF in collaboration with the UNDP. Using comprehensive data and statistics, the report assesses the global knowledge landscape, determines the future of knowledge, and provides necessary support to policy-makers and decision-makers in developing their countries' knowledge and development capabilities. We look forward to further exploring our partnership with ISESCO and utilising all of our resources to advance the various academic opportunities in the Arab world.”
“The next phase of our cooperation will result in the formation of efforts to improve the status of the Arabic language globally, particularly in the Muslim world, through the development of joint frameworks that include numerous new initiatives and programs. These initiatives will work to advance previous MBRF initiatives, such as the Writers Training program, and broaden its reach to include all Arab nations. Our goals are primarily focused on the Arab youth, as we work to increase the usage and presence of the Arabic language among the younger generation, and help them develop their skills and abilities to pursue various knowledge paths, thereby increasing their contributions to the establishment of knowledge societies,” H.E. added.
Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager, UNDP, said: “ICESCO continues to make significant contributions to the efforts targeted at advancing cultural and knowledge development in its member countries, and has so far achieved notable accomplishments. The first consultative meeting on ‘Strategic Indicators for Development in the Islamic World: Global Knowledge Index as a Model’ further represents a significant milestone in promoting knowledge development in the Islamic states as the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) serves as a standard to assess knowledge performance of countries across the globe using contemporary technologies and methodologies. It provides valuable insights into changes and challenges encountered by these countries, as well as their potential opportunities for development. The countries included in the index also comprises 37 member states of the ICESCO. The Knowledge Index holds paramount significance since it is a global resource that assists decision-makers, as well as others involved in the field of knowledge development, to assess knowledge performance in their nations and around the globe. The Index also offers countries and institutions precise tools and data on knowledge development opportunities and challenges, enabling them to develop strategies for the advancement of knowledge across all sectors. It also helps countries to match pace with the recent technological innovations and trends, along with empowering the youth to make contributions to shaping the future.”
Furthermore, Dr. Farid El Bacha, President of Mohammed V University, welcomed H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb at the university headquarters in Rabat, Morocco, and discussed the significance of higher education institutions in furthering the development of knowledge in societies. The two parties stated that these institutions play an important role in inspiring the youth to seek continuous learning and contribute to various scientific and knowledge fields, in addition to providing an ideal setting that promotes creativity and innovation. Both parties additionally discussed their common knowledge goals and explored prospects for future cooperation.
The MBRF delegation led by H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb also visited the International University of Rabat, where they were welcomed by Dr. Abdelaziz Benjouad, Vice President of the University. The delegation evaluated the University’s developments and contributions in multiple fields of science and knowledge, along with highlighting various aspects of MBRF’s efforts that meet the University’s knowledge goals. During this meeting, significant discussions were held, which primarily focused on promoting research and innovation in knowledge, particularly among the youth. The discussions also emphasised leveraging the latest technologies and methods to build and develop paths of knowledge, and promote its exchange. The discussions further explored innovative ways for both institutions to collaborate and advance the use of the Arabic language in diverse fields.
The delegation’s visit to Morocco further entailed a meeting between H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb and the graduates of the Dubai International Program for Writing in Rabat. His Excellency commended the graduates’ distinct knowledge productions, as well as their innovative and creative talents in producing unique literary works. He stated the significance of the Dubai International Program for Writing, which contributes to enriching the literary and knowledge movement, along with showcasing various notable achievements of this program. H.E. also asserted that this program empowers youth by providing requisite skills in writing and translation in a variety of literary, scientific, and research fields, enabling them to enhance their talents and contribute significantly to knowledge development around the world.
Additionally, H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb also met with H.E. Younes Skouri, Minister of Economic Integration, Small Enterprises, Employment and Competencies in the Kingdom of Morocco, to discuss the significance of the partnership between both parties in the field of knowledge. They also discussed several initiatives through which various knowledge resources and capabilities could be optimally utilised to achieve various shared goals. It further explored new potential prospects of the Knowledge Index and its significant role in promoting knowledge development in the Islamic world. H.E. Al Asri Saeed Al Dhaheri, Ambassador of the UAE to the Kingdom of Morocco, also joined to welcome H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb at the UAE embassy in Rabat.
