Dubai to Host 9th Knowledge Summit: Focus on Future Skills and AI Economy

Dubai is set to become the epicenter of global knowledge exchange as it prepares to host the 9th edition of the Knowledge Summit on November 18-19, 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Center. Organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event will bring together thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the theme 'Future Skills and AI Economy'.

The summit, a collaborative effort between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), aims to address the challenges and opportunities in developing sustainable knowledge-based economies. This year's focus on future skills and artificial intelligence underscores the growing importance of these areas in shaping global economic landscapes.

A highlight of the summit will be the unveiling of the Global Knowledge Index 2024, a comprehensive tool that has gained significance in recent years for guiding national policies and development strategies. The index evaluates various knowledge fields, including education, research and development, innovation, technology, and the knowledge-based economy, providing valuable insights for sustainable development planning.

In a first for the Arab world, the summit will also host the 3rd UNESCO World OER Congress, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. This congress is expected to draw approximately 500 ministers, senior officials, and decision-makers from crucial sectors such as education, digital services, and communications, further elevating the summit's global significance.

The event will feature an expanded agenda with over 747 panel sessions, surpassing previous editions. With 1,765 speakers and an anticipated attendance of over 81,000, the summit is poised to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations. Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including sustainable economic growth, workforce skills for future jobs, critical thinking, problem-solving, and emerging technologies like data analysis, machine learning, programming, and AI.

Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, emphasized the summit's role in establishing Dubai as a global hub for innovation and knowledge. He stated that the event serves as a platform for launching interactive forums that disseminate knowledge, experiences, and best practices, contributing to the improvement of living standards and mapping out a sustainable future that prioritizes innovation and cutting-edge technology.

The summit will also recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge dissemination through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award. This accolade aims to highlight the crucial role of knowledge in achieving sustainable development and global prosperity by acknowledging key achievements and inspiring creative individuals to explore new avenues for knowledge sharing and cultivation.

Additionally, the summit will feature panel discussions on future skills and AI by Coursera, a leading online learning platform, further enriching the discourse on educational technology and skill development in the digital age.

As the world grapples with rapid technological advancements and changing economic paradigms, the 9th Knowledge Summit in Dubai stands as a crucial platform for global dialogue and collaboration. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and focusing on future-oriented themes, the summit aims to chart a course for knowledge-driven development that can address the complex challenges of the 21st century. The outcomes of this summit are likely to influence policy decisions, educational strategies, and economic planning across the globe, making it a pivotal event in shaping the future of knowledge economies.