SUPPLIED

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) participated in the first consultative meeting on 'Strategic Indicators for Development in the Islamic World: Global Knowledge Index as a Model' at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The meeting emphasized the significance of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) as a standard to assess the knowledge performance of countries across the globe and determine the changes and challenges encountered by these countries. The two-day meeting, held by ICESCO in collaboration with MBRF and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was attended by various high-level ministers, officials, and representatives of ICESCO member states, international organizations, and institutions. His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, emphasized that ICESCO significantly contributes to elevating the Arabic language's status, promoting knowledge, and encouraging youth to build knowledge societies. He pointed out that the Knowledge Index is a global resource that helps decision-makers and others involved in knowledge development to evaluate knowledge performance in their nations and the rest of the globe. The Index also offers countries and institutions precise tools and data on knowledge development opportunities and challenges, highlighting the most significant knowledge challenges countries worldwide face. Through this, they aim to promote knowledge and achieve sustainable development and the goals of 2030, in addition to encouraging the youth to participate in knowledge-based developments. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, noted that a country's strength is determined by how well they are developed in technology and scientific research. Meanwhile, Dr. Hany Torki, Chief Technical Advisor and Director of the Knowledge Project at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), commended ICESCO's constant efforts to promote cultural and knowledge development in the organization's member states. He further evaluated the significance of GKI, which includes 37 ICESCO Member States. Dr. Ayman Ashour, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, underlined the significance of knowledge development and its positive impact on all facets of life during a ministerial session held in the meeting, which also covered the challenges of knowledge in the Islamic world. At the end of the session, a discussion was held where several secretaries general of Member States' National Commissions raised many questions and provided valuable suggestions on the topic. The second day of the meeting featured a series of brainstorming sessions, which focused on launching initiatives that enhance knowledge in the Islamic world and presenting several proposals on various challenges of pre-university education. Proposals for technical education issues were also developed during a brainstorming session. Dr. Youssef Siddique, an expert at UNDP, and Dr. Raheel Qamar, Head of the Science and Technology Sector at ICESCO, attended. The agenda of the second day concluded with a consultative session with the participation of several Secretaries from the national committees. BKM/ Expat Media
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