The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have jointly launched the Future Skills Academy, a pivotal initiative aimed at equipping the Arab world's workforce with essential skills for the future. Announced during the 'Digitalization for Sustainable Development' event at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, this academy is a significant step towards realizing a knowledge-based economy in the region.
This initiative is part of the broader 'Knowledge Project' and builds upon the FutureSkills4All Initiative, focusing on bridging the gap between individual skills and labor market demands. With the Arab region facing high youth unemployment rates, the Future Skills Academy is designed to offer educational programs that prepare individuals for professional development and future employment opportunities. The academy aims to reach over a million people, providing specialized training programs to tackle educational gaps and unemployment challenges.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, highlighted the academy's role in empowering future generations to develop sustainable solutions, aligning with MBRF's commitment to global knowledge dissemination for community development. The academy's launch is timely, given the region's digital divide, where only 1.7% of the population is recognized as 'digital talents' despite 70% having internet access.
HE Abdallah Al Dardari of the UNDP emphasized the academy's potential to enhance digital capabilities in the Arab region, offering resources to leverage opportunities in the global digital economy. The Future Skills Academy will provide a range of certified programs, both online and in-person, targeting various groups including students, professionals, and government officials, to equip them with crucial future skills.
Beyond education, the academy aims to address societal challenges, promote social innovation, and tackle labor market inequalities, including gender disparities. It also coincides with the formation of a global coalition for skills development, inviting stakeholders to participate in its inaugural meeting at the 'Knowledge Summit' in Dubai in November 2024. This initiative underscores the MBRF's dedication to innovation and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, preparing the Arab world for a resilient and inclusive future.
