The Global Knowledge Project
The global Knowledge Project is a collaborative effort between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This project seeks to cultivate knowledge-driven societies to advance sustainable development in the Arab region and beyond, encourage effective dialogue, and highlight the importance of knowledge and its policies. It builds on a diverse array of knowledge products and events initiated since 2008, including the Arab Knowledge Reports, the Arab Knowledge Index, the Knowledge for All portal and mobile application, the Arab Reading Index, the “Future of Knowledge: A Foresight Report” series, the Global Knowledge Index, and the recently expanded FutureSkills4All initiative, which now has become an academy.
KP has provided the global knowledge arena with outstanding initiatives, most notably:
Arab Knowledge Reports
The Arab Knowledge Reports are a series of pioneering publications that analyze the state of knowledge in the Arab world and the challenges it faces. Reports were produced for the years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2014, featuring in-depth studies and analyses across multiple sectors with contributions from approximately 12,000 Arab students.
These reports serve as vital references for understanding the opportunities and challenges of building knowledge-based societies in the region. They provide actionable recommendations for policymakers to enhance education systems, scientific research, technology, and innovation.
Arab Knowledge Index
The Arab Knowledge Index is a measurement tool designed to assess and monitor the state of knowledge in the Arab region. Developed for 2015 and 2016, it covered 22 Arab countries and offered a comprehensive overview of progress across key knowledge sectors, including education, scientific research, innovation, information and communications technology (ICT), economy, and enabling environments.
Arab Reading Index
Launched in 2016, the Arab Reading Index aims to provide an accurate and comprehensive picture of reading habits in the Arab world while addressing misconceptions and false statistics surrounding this vital topic.
Based on a survey of 148,000 participants from various Arab countries, the index delivers reliable data on reading habits and levels in the region. It helps shape cultural and educational policies to foster a reading culture and supports initiatives that promote knowledge and cultural awareness in Arab societies.
Global Knowledge Index
Evolving from the Arab Knowledge Index, the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) was introduced in 2017 to measure the state of knowledge on a global scale and provide insights into countries’ performance across various knowledge sectors.
The GKI has become a recognized tool for guiding policymakers and researchers in understanding the challenges and opportunities related to knowledge development. It analyzes data across key areas, including education, research and development, innovation, ICT, economy, and enabling environments.
Since its launch, the GKI has served as a global reference for decision-making and developing sustainable strategies, contributing to human development and building knowledge-based societies capable of addressing future challenges.
Future of Knowledge: A Foresight Report
These reports, issued in 2018, 2019, and 2022, aim to assist countries in preparing their citizens for the evolving knowledge landscape by equipping them with the essential and relevant skills. They encourage proactive leadership across nations to ensure the sustainable upskilling and reskilling of the workforce, providing stakeholders with a clearer and more objective understanding of their citizens’ future needs.
Knowledge for All Portal
Launched in 2015, with a mobile application introduced in 2016, the Knowledge for All portal facilitates access to information for decision-makers and academics. It serves as a hub for experts to publish research and a bridge connecting youth, academics, and officials.
Visit the portal at www.knowledge4all.org
FutureSkills4All
This pioneering initiative began its pilot phase during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2023, in collaboration with Coursera. It offers free educational programs to develop future-critical skills among Arab citizens, enhancing personal, digital, and professional capabilities to adapt to global labor market changes.
In its first year, the initiative benefited around 10,000 learners from the Arab region and beyond, delivering over 114,000 learning hours across more than 15,000 educational programs.
Future Skills Academy
The Future Skills Academy represents the second phase of the FutureSkills4All initiative. Announced during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, the academy aims to train one million learners annually and reach 10 million by 2030.
The academy strives to bridge the digital and skills gap in the Arab region and prepare future generations for emerging job opportunities amid rapid technological advancements.
Global Skills Coalition
The Global Skills Coalition is a global initiative launched to strengthen partnerships among various stakeholders to develop future-critical skills and address the evolving needs of the labor market. Announced in September 2024 on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the coalition supports sustainable development efforts and empowers individuals in the Arab region and globally to navigate future challenges.
The Coalition’s membership comprises a diverse array of stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, civil society, technology companies, and the private sector. Its primary objective is to bridge the skills gap and enhance individual capabilities through continuous education, training, and innovative solutions to keep pace with rapid labor market transformations.
The Coalition convened its inaugural meeting during the Knowledge Summit 2024, uniting representatives from various sectors to collaborate on supporting the Future Skills Academy, one of its flagship initiatives.
KnowTalks
These rich discussions and seminars, led by distinguished speakers, thinkers, and experts worldwide, address knowledge and development challenges, highlight untapped opportunities, and share valuable lessons. The KnowTalks are available on their dedicated YouTube channel.
The Sole Global Knowledge Partner
In a groundbreaking achievement, MBRF was honored in September 2018 by UNDP, led by Achim Steiner, with the title of “The Sole Global Knowledge Partner.” This recognition, the first of its kind for an Arab knowledge entity, reflects the global trust in MBRF’s pioneering role in promoting knowledge and sustainable development on an international level.
Partnership Extension
Strengthening their strategic partnership within the GKI, MBRF and UNDP signed a new agreement in September 2019, extending their collaboration for an entire decade (2021–2030). The signing ceremony, held at the UN headquarters in New York, reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to fostering thought leadership and developing evidence-based policies to advance sustainable development in the Arab region and beyond.
