Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) - a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives – and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organised the Egyptian Knowledge and Innovation Society Conference in Cairo as part of a series of events in key international and regional cities to announce the results of the Arab Knowledge Index. The event was organised in cooperation with the Egypt's Supreme Council of Universities. 

The conference was attended by Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, Dr. Ashraf Al Shehhi, Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as the heads of Egyptian universities and research centres, and a number of former ministers. The event, which witnessed the launch of the Arab Knowledge Index, discussed its methodologies and highlighted the results and plans for its development. 

Addressing the conference, Jamal bin Huwaireb said: "The launch of the Arab Knowledge Index is the culmination of joint efforts between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme to contribute effectively to the efforts to build knowledge based societies, and produce knowledge for sustainable development." 

Dr. Ashraf Al Shehhi said that knowledge has become a focal area for countries in view of its critical role in achieving comprehensive development. He pointed out that countries that own knowledge are best placed to achieve economic prosperity and ensure the wellbeing of its citizens. 

Dr. Hani Al Turki, a representative of the UNDP, said: "The Arab Knowledge Index is an ambitious project based on scientific criteria, and we hope it will become a reference platform for decision-makers and experts to help chart development plans and policies. Our effort is to contribute to creating a competitive environment that will inspire authorities to activate more knowledge initiatives to usher in a knowledge-based society and economy." 

The conference discussed the various elements of the Knowledge Index, including the Information Technology and Communications Index and its components as well as the R&D and Innovation Index, and explored ways to link the Arab Knowledge Index with Egypt's Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. It also examined the activation of the index as a tool to measure development in the areas of education, and information and communication technology in Egypt. 

Source: WAM