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Knowledge Summit concludes its seventh successful edition with more than 1 million views on website and digital platforms

Dubai, UAE, 28 March 2022 – The seventh edition of the Knowledge Summit, themed ‘Knowledge: Protecting Humanity and the Planet in the Pandemic’ officially concluded their wide range of events and informative sessions held between March 14 – 18, 2022. The summit witnessed the participation of more than 108 major speakers, including experts, leaders, and government officials from all over the world. 15 virtual sessions were conducted, scoring 1,154,761 views. 25 live sessions were aired on the summit’s website and social media platforms over the course of the five days, with 1137 people attending the offline sessions held at Expo 2020 Dubai headquarters on 14 and 15 March.

The seventh edition of the Knowledge Summit, themed ‘Knowledge: Protecting Humanity and the Planet in the Pandemic.

The Knowledge Summit 2022 was organized by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Leaders and experts at the Summit highlighted the importance for countries and institutions around the world to join forces and re-imagine knowledge acquisition in societies over the next few years. They believed that such optimal use of knowledge would allow countries to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and meet the challenges of the current decade.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said, “The seventh edition of the Knowledge Summit, held over a period of five days, served as a platform for in-depth intellectual discussions with leaders, experts, thinkers, and participants. These sessions have worked toward highlighting the risks, impacts, opportunities, and options for managing and anticipating challenges, and have worked towards formulating appropriate solutions to combat these challenges in the next 10 years. The Summit has successfully conveyed the message that knowledge is the power of the future, and that its acquisition comes from the modernization of education systems, and facilitation of its provision to young people.”

“The Summit has also resulted in many proposals and recommendations, which we will actively work on during the year by discussing them with intellectuals, opinion makers, leaders, experts, and government officials from all over the world. This is in line with the foundation’s aim to consolidate knowledge and enable societies to devise sustainable solutions,” His Excellency added.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said, “The seventh edition of the Knowledge Summit, held over a period of five days, served as a platform for in-depth intellectual discussions with leaders, experts, thinkers, and participants.

His Excellency was especially delighted by the enthusiastic participation of experts, leaders, and government officials from all over the world, as well as the broad support received from the public and private sectors in the UAE.

e&:

Hatem Dowidar, CEO of e&, said, “We are thrilled to have participated in this event, which has brought together experts from around the world to highlight important themes that are centered on ways to strengthen global cooperation, and contribute to the promotion of a knowledge economy. At present, given the changes brought about by the pandemic, it is important to construct a system that will work towards protecting humanity and the planet by promoting dialogue, encouraging reflections on common goals, and enabling innovation to accelerate life under new conditions.

As a future-focused technology group, e& is heavily invested in its mission of positively influencing societies by piloting next-generation technologies, building innovative partnerships, and working for a brighter digital future. We can indeed create a world where everyone can be empowered through new possibilities. However, this can only happen when institutions from different industries come together at global events such as the Knowledge Summit and put forward inspiring ideas that will ultimately contribute to the promotion of the social and economic growth of the UAE and to long-term sustainable development.”

Al Nabooda Automobiles:

For his part, K. Rajaram, Chief Executive Officer, Al Nabooda Automobiles, Audi’s exclusive distributors in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said: “It is an honor for us to work with the MBRF for the sixth consecutive time and help organize this event. At Audi A Nabooda, we believe that the true mark of progress for a country is in its ability to provide knowledge and make it accessible to as many people as possible. This event is therefore crucial to the progress of the world, and we are proud to champion it.”

He added: “The Audi VIP fleet served as the transport of international speakers and delegates throughout the Emirate of Dubai. We are pleased to extend our support and warmly welcome them to the United Arab Emirates.”

Leaders and experts at the Summit highlighted the importance for countries and institutions around the world to join forces and re-imagine knowledge acquisition in societies over the years.

Dubai Media Inc.:

Ahmad Saeed Al Mansoori, CEO of radio and TV sector at DMI, Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI), said, “The media partnership for the events of the Knowledge Summit 2022 reflects the vision of the DMI to attain the highest levels of leadership based on innovation and quality. This is in line with the next phase of the Dubai Government’s strategy to ensure consistent communication and cooperation between various institutions and government services in Dubai. Such initiatives are in fulfillment of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to support and encourage the creative initiatives of various community and service activities that will contribute to highlighting the advancement of the UAE in various fields.”

Al Mansoori further noted that the DMI, in all its sectors, has always strived to serve society in all aspects through their plans, programs, strategies, and objectives. Special effort was taken to ensure that the largest specialized technical team of professionals in television, radio, publishing, and digital media were involved in all the Summit sessions and events.

Roya Media Group:

For his part, Eng. Fares Al Sayegh, CEO of Roya Media Group, said: “At Roya Vision Group, we are pleased to continue our support for the MBRF and the sponsorship of the Knowledge Summit 2022 at its seventh edition. This is testament to our belief that knowledge is the most crucial building block of society. It is important to collaborate on initiatives that work toward raising awareness on such noble causes. It is also our duty to ensure that people are informed and able to recognize the importance of knowledge in the development of our societies. In doing so, we also maintain our efforts to support the MBRF in their endeavors to empower future generations.”

Entrepreneur:

Wissam Younane, CEO of BNC Publishing, said, “We are proud of our partnership and sponsorship of the seventh edition of the knowledge summit, which has been renowned as the most outstanding knowledge event in the region. Our sponsorship of this event can be attributed to our strong belief in the crucial role that knowledge plays in the building of societies, and towards the advancement and development of nations. We take this opportunity to further reaffirm our commitment to working closely with the Foundation and provide all support necessary toward its various initiatives and events around the world. As a global leader, Entrepreneur is keen to empower upcoming generations, and we look forward to our future collaborations with the MBRF.”

Al Dafrah TV:

Jaleela Abu Hatab, CEO of the Al Dafrah TV, highlighted the role of knowledge in allowing people to win over disease, understand the universe, and discover the secrets of life. She also added that it was the most powerful weapon to face challenges and disasters. “At Al Dafrah TV, we are working hard to celebrate the makers of knowledge and strive to facilitate it’s building and dissemination to the whole world.”

Weyyak.com:

Nadine Samra, Chief Business Officer of Weyyak, mentioned that their sponsorship of the events at the Knowledge Summit 2022 held in Expo 2020 Dubai was part of their commitment to serving the central role of knowledge towards inspiring people and preparing them for the future.

She further added: “This sponsorship is also in recognition of the cooperation and communication between Weyyak.com and the MBRF toward the success of the Knowledge summit. It also reflects our commitment to the development of the local and international community.”

TeN TV Channel:

CEO of TEN TV Channel, Nashaat Al Dehi, said, “As the world struggles to cope with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, knowledge remains the first and strongest weapon to protect all of humanity. TEN Channel takes great pride in our partnership and media sponsorship agreement for the Knowledge Summit. We are confident that this in line with our vision to enhance the role of the media in raising awareness. Through this media partnership with the MBRF, we have sought to strengthen our cooperation and invest in the success of the media sponsorship of TEN Channel in the ‘Bil Arabi’ initiative that was organized by MBRF last year.”

El Madar:

Engineer Rami Al Maliji, Director General of El Madar for Digital Media, said, “El Madar Digital Media Foundation is proud to be a media sponsor and part of the Knowledge Summit 2022, which is one of the most important Arab events in the area. We are confident that this platform will be utilized to work towards ensuring that knowledge is efficiently utilized towards addressing the various challenges facing humanity.”

Alghad TV:

Sameh Abdel Fattah Kheder, Director of Public Relations and Media at Alghad, said, “The media partnership between the Alghad TV and the MBRF reaffirms our commitment to strengthening the existing cooperation between the two institutions following Alghad TV’s successful media sponsorship for MBRF’s ‘Bil Arabi’ initiative that was organized last year.”

The MBRF is an affiliate of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), which aims to strengthen future generations and empower them to devise sustainable solutions that facilitate the process of knowledge acquisition and research in the Arab world. It also strives to establish knowledge-based societies by funding research projects, activities, and initiatives.

In line with the Foundation’s support for ideas and innovation, the MBRF focuses on three major pillars, namely education, entrepreneurship, and research and development. The Foundation is currently working to further develop human resources in the region by creating a broad base of human expertise with extensive knowledge and talent. This will also help provide more opportunities for younger generations to acquire knowledge and build all the skills required to secure a better future and improve their quality of life.

The ChangeMakers Monitoring

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

Financing bold decisions and accountability on SDGs – Global Goals Business Forum

Responsible investment strategies, aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), alongside bold action on – and accountability from businesses to – the SDGs proved key themes at the Global Goals Business Forum at Expo 2020 Dubai. The event, held at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo 2020 Dubai, brought together industry leaders and experts from across the public and private sectors.

Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations, Dubai Chamber of Commerce (Official Business Integrator of Expo 2020 Dubai), said: “ We call on businesses to align their efforts with the public sector to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and ensure a steady path to a brighter future.”

In his welcome address, Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations, Dubai Chamber of Commerce (Official Business Integrator of Expo 2020 Dubai), said: “While the pandemic has highlighted the broader vulnerabilities of our global society, we know the roadmap forward to address these interconnected challenges are the [SDGs]. We call on businesses to align their efforts with the public sector to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and ensure a steady path to a brighter future.”

That set the tone for the forum, co-curated by Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Estonia and the UN Global Compact, and held as part of Global Goals Week, which runs from 15-22 January.

In her opening address, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director, UN Global Compact, said: “A resounding and recurring message I have heard over these last few days is that we’re in the right place, at the right time, here in Dubai at Expo 2020 – to tap into an immense spirit of hope, optimism, collaboration and urgency. To reignite, as we’ve heard, the ambitions, actions and accountability that will help us make up for the gains that have been lost in progress around achieving the SDGs.

“We need business leaders to make bold business decisions for the future, we need businesses to integrate the [SDGs] into their corporate strategies, we need businesses to account for their externalities in the same way they account for their business losses.”

We need business leaders to make bold business decisions for the future, we need businesses to integrate the [SDGs] into their corporate strategies

Vaishali Nigam Sinha, Chief Sustainability Officer, ReNew Power, one of India’s leading renewable energy firms, joined Patrick Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group, and Emmeline Hambali, Group Managing Director, Dynapack Asia, Indonesia, in the opening session, SDG Ambition: Accelerate Business Action

Vaishali Nigam Sinha, also Chair of the ReNew Foundation, ReNew Power’s philanthropic arm that works on creating sustainable communities through access to clean energy, said: “It is the availability of capital and commitment of investors which is helping us to accelerate and amplify what we are doing – that’s the good news and I think we should all recognise that.

“Whether it is the smog, the total transition to clean energy [or] engaging communities, all of these issues require a few critical things – one of them is investments. I cannot highlight [enough] the importance of ensuring that the funds [are] flowing through.

“We have set huge renewable energy targets in India and we have also seen a robust flow of investments coming into the country. That is really driving the commitment and ambition in the sector … The government is providing the policy direction and framework, but we are actually going and doing it on the ground. And if we don’t do this, the change is not going to happen.”

Financing remained a core theme as the forum progressed, with session Financing the 2030 Agenda – moderated by Marie Morice, Head of Sustainable Finance, UN Global Compact

Financing remained a core theme as the forum progressed, with session Financing the 2030 Agenda – moderated by Marie Morice, Head of Sustainable Finance, UN Global Compact – touching on SDG-aligned investment instruments and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies that help further the SDGs.

Panellist Zahara Malik, Co-Founder and CEO, Grosvenor Capital, who noted an increased emphasis on the ‘S’ in ESG, in light of the pandemic, said: “Right now, from corporates to individuals, we’re very much focused on ‘the human’ … so, a positive in terms of a change in trends and what we’re seeing is the drive for the social element of ESG.”

Responsible financing and increased ESG reporting pressures on corporates proved core themes as the dialogue progressed.

Sarah Usmani, Managing Director – Global Head of Sustainable, Asset & Project Finance, First Abu Dhabi Bank, said: “Financiers play a very important role in terms of encouraging or discouraging certain types of activities. We saw that happen before COVID-19. For example, a lot of banks actually stopped financing coal … If the financing community gets together as well and starts financing projects, which will result in a better, sustainable future, then that’s how you also channel investors as well.”

Fellow panellist Mabinty Koroma-Moore, Founder and CEO, Legacy Impact Venture Enterprises Africa, said: “There is a stronger appetite, particularly among institutional investors, as well as private equity [and venture capital] investors around mapping their strategies and assets against the SDGs.

“The pandemic has exacerbated some of the gaps and this is an opportunity for more investors to look at blended finance approaches – to really think about how we can be more strategic in terms of creating and developing SDG-linked investment instruments that are aligned with needs of people in emerging and frontier markets.”

Other forum sessions touched on the crucial role played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the SDGs, how digitalisation can accelerate progress and the private sector’s efforts to prevent and eliminate child labour in their operations and supply chains.

For the first time in its history, Global Goals Week has left the UN General Assembly in New York, coming to life at Expo 2020 Dubai from 15-22 January with a series of special events, activations and unforgettable visitor experiences.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news

RewirEd Summit with Youth, Skills and Future of Work as top theme on its agenda

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 12^th December 2021: RewirEd, the global education platform, hosted by Dubai Cares, in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai and in close coordination with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), has officially kicked off the RewirEd Summit (12-14 Dec) today at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Accenture, Microsoft, UNICEF and Dubai Cares New Global Learning Platform for Young People

The three-day summit, which was held as part of Expo 2020 Knowledge and Learning Week, is set to provide a platform to spark conversation among global education stakeholders in an effort to generate new ideas on how to tackle the future of education.

The first day of the Summit saw the participation of more than 1,500 in-person attendees from 60 countries from around the world, focusing on topics around how and why education systems need to change to provide young people with better opportunities.

Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO of Dubai Cares urges global leaders to act now, to ensure education equips children and young people all over the world with the skills they need to tackle future challenges

At the opening of the RewirEd Summit, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Despite everything that has overshadowed these last two years, and the hardships that are still endured worldwide as a result of myriad challenges, medical, social and economic… education is still a central priority of every government, every community and every family on Earth. This tells us something. It inspires us to action. It also impels us to deliver concrete outcomes: a legacy manifested in commitments and key findings that will inform the next round of reflection and revision, and the next after that. Use the next three days to build and deliver that legacy. Imagine the possibilities… if we take all that we have learnt, and put it in service of the wonders we have yet to discover.”

H.E. Jakaya Kikwete Chair of the Board of Directors of Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and former President of Tanzania said: “Equity is core to our mission. In most partner countries, we help to bring gender equality through education. GPE has put gender at the heart of our strategy and we have hard wired this into all our operations. We help governments to identify barriers that affect boys and girls differently, close gender gaps and shut down stereotypes in communities. We are providing countries with capital to drive change. None of this is possible if we do not have the right data to help governments make decisions. The right solution is impact at scale, one that can reach all children and one that is affordable and has equity at its core.”

Jayathma Wickramanayake, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, said: “Youth must work alongside their governments, communities and private sector as full-fledged partners as well as beneficiaries. Accountability: education is a fundamental human right, a public responsibility. We need to look at youth to ensure that every young person is empowered and that no person is left behind. We must move to concrete commitment and dedicated resources and deliver action.”

Speaking at the opening plenary of the Summit, H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, said: “We are at a tipping point of humanity. We may not see it, but we are there. And if education does not deliver on its promise to equip children and young people all over the world with the skills they need to tackle future challenges, then we will be known as the generation who did nothing when we could do everything. We have the means, we are all here, and we must act now.”

UNESCO releases Global Education Monitoring Report 2021/2022 at RewirEd Summit

On his side, Bob Moritz, Global Chairman, PwC, said: “A new combination of bringing people together to drive the agenda is needed. It is the role of the business community in this regard. Business has the responsibility to think about what jobs we have today but also what the future board looks like tomorrow. It is clear that the changes we have seen, that digital skills, digital IQ is paramount to any future world. This is the ability to create and innovate and adapt to a technology driven world; it’s the skills needed to lead in this new world. ESG is going to be fundamental to the world as we think about the planet, societal challenges, equity and good governance and prosperity. These skills are going to be baked into every job.”

The first day of the Summit saw the participation of prominent global education leaders driving the discussion, including The Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown, the U.N.’s Special Envoy for Global Education and former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF; Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education; Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum; and Alan Jope Unilever’s CEO.

The Summit also hosted high-level thematic opening session titled: Youth, Skills & the Future of Work, hosted by Restless Development Youth Researchers, which reflected on the learnings and recommendations coming out of their Global Youth Survey, in conversation with H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth, UAE along with three global leaders, as well as youth advocates and activists.

The day proceeded with a host of high-level panels and breakout sessions by distinguished speakers and participants throughout the summit’s first day.

New Global Learning Platform for Young People Launched

The first day of the Summit marked the launch of the Passport to Earning (P2E) platform. Unveiled by Accenture, Microsoft, UNICEF, and Dubai Cares, operating under the Generation Unlimited partnership, P2E is a new global digital learning platform for young people, providing 15 to 24-year-olds across the world with free, certified education and skills training – with content spanning across digital, foundational, role-based and technical skills. All certifications gained will support future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities made available on the platform.

UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report Released

Also announced at the summit was UNESCO’s Annual Global Education Monitoring Report, which called for increased efforts to guarantee free, publicly funded access to a year of pre-primary and 12 years of primary and secondary education for all children. The report also urged all countries to establish quality standards across all state and non-state education institutions to build a coherent education system for all learners.

Continuing the focus on pressing youth topics, refugee students presented on the imperative for higher education for refugees at the Emerging models of Higher Education in Conflict session, with the speakers discussing the urgent action needed to ensure 15 per cent refugee enrolment in higher education by 2030.

Adapting New Paths to Greater Learning

Noteworthy sessions also included The Great Debate: Universal Secondary Education For All vs Alternative Pathways, which focused on whether other education models are better placed to serve young people in countries where large numbers of youth do not have access to secondary education, as well as a session on Transforming Education: A Route to Helping Young People Adapt to Climate Change, which drew on research findings from Uganda, showcasing the impact of climate disruptions on young people’s livelihoods, and the need for radical changes in education as a route to greater climate resilience and effective adaptation to the climate crisis.

With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to be felt around the world, the RewirEd Summit presents a timely opportunity for the world community to write a new chapter in education history. The outcomes of the summit’s keynotes, discussions and breakout sessions are set to help drive a new wave of innovation as the education community addresses the urgent need for a shift in education globally.

ameerul.hasan@thechangemakers.news