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The prestigious prize recognises their contributions to education, science, research and development, and leadership

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the laureates of the fourth Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) – the Award’s organisers – will be honouring the laureates during the Knowledge Summit 2017, set to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on November 21-22, 2017.

The prestigious accolade seeks to promote and help build the knowledge economy, in addition to encouraging intellectual and creative achievements by honouring the people behind them. This year’s laureates are Saudi Arabia’s MiSK Foundation, which specialises in developing educational institutions and supporting scientific research; renowned Japanese scientist Hiroshi Komiyama; and Wendy Kopp from the USA, Founder of Teach For America and current CEO and Co-Founder of Teach For All.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF and Secretary General of the Award, said: “The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award is a world-class event bearing the name of a great leader. It has been instrumental in amplifying Dubai’s efforts and cementing its pioneering role in developing the knowledge industry, not only in the emirate, but also in the region and the world.”

“Based on clear directives from His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of both the Award’s Board of Trustees and our Foundation, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award aims to raise awareness of the importance of knowledge, all the while shedding light on the most notable achievements of individuals and institutions around the world that promote knowledge-centric societies,” HE Bin Huwaireb further said.

The only winner from the Middle East region, MiSK Foundation – also known as the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation – is a non-profit devoted to promoting education and leadership among young Saudis to shape a bright future for the Kingdom. To this end, MiSK supports the country’s youth, and fosters the development of talent, creative potential and innovation in order to open up opportunities in arts and sciences.

The Foundation is invested in educating the youth in three strategic sectors – education, media and culture – that support the advancement of the Kingdom’s development and its efforts to secure a prosperous future. The Foundation pursues its goals by partnering with local and global organisations in diverse fields. With its programmes and incubators, the Foundation helps develop intellectual capital and unlock the potential of all Saudi people.

Japanese scientist Hiroshi Komiyama, is a leading and highly accomplished scientific figure in many disciplines. He has had significant contributions in innovation, developing educational institutions and scientific research. A seasoned veteran in optical and transformational engineering, Komiyama has put forth theories and insight into human and social sciences – particularly, science-based social sustainability – which were elemental to a great deal of discoveries and solutions.

Komiyama has taken the lead in building a “network of networks” and enabling “knowledge innovation” for a sustainable society. This network now extends to Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania and America. His initiatives include the Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science (IR3S), launched in 2005 as the first multidisciplinary research project at the University of Tokyo. In addition to helping resolve issues around the globe, the System has spurred a strategic vision for building a sustainable low-carbon society.

Last but not least, Wendy Kopp was honoured for her Teach for America initiative, which, for the past 25 years, has been working to give American children of all backgrounds the education they deserve. Kopp’s mission has since evolved into a global movement – Teach for All – which has brought together 45 likeminded institutions to help children around the world access education to reach their full potential. Teach for All motivates and empowers generations of future leaders through education – especially targeting children living in poverty.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award honours success in several knowledge-related categories, including development, innovation, leadership and creativity, the development of educational institutions, scientific research, communication technology, literature, publishing and printing, paper and electronic documentation, and many other sectors identified by the Award’s Board of Trustees.