Dubai: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced the results of the ‘Global Knowledge Index 2024′ (GKI 2024), an unparalleled global reference tool for assessing nations’ notable accomplishments in the knowledge domain. The results were unveiled during a panel discussion titled ‘UNDP and MBRF Partnership – Advancing Knowledge in the Arab States Region and Beyond,’ organized as part of the Knowledge Summit 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Center from 18 to 19 November.
According to Emirates News Agency, dignitaries including Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General, and UNDP Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States; Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; and Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager, Knowledge Project – UNDP, participated in the session moderated by Mayssoun Noueihed, Senior News Anchor, Al Arabiya. Dr. Al Dardari emphasized the necessity for gove
rnments to recognize the importance of freedom of information and the need to provide it while also offering young people the opportunity to access knowledge from diverse sources. He highlighted the importance of young people’s ability to express themselves creatively as a cornerstone of a knowledge economy.
Jamal bin Huwaireb expressed delight at the UAE’s significant ranking in the GKI, describing it as a potent tool for nations to assess and improve their national policies and decision-making frameworks. He mentioned that this year’s GKI showcases key knowledge milestones achieved by many nations, particularly in the Arab region, while underscoring the need for advancing education, research, and innovation strategies globally.
Dr. Hany Torky provided a comprehensive overview of the results, discussing achievements of certain countries and areas requiring further attention. He mentioned the Future Skills Academy as a developmental step for expanding educational and training opportunities. Torky emphasized
the importance of AI, not as a replacement for humans but as a tool to gain competitive advantage.
The GKI 2024 covers 141 countries, nearly three-quarters of the globe, with eight new additions this year. Sweden secured the leading position, with Finland and Switzerland following closely. The GKI assessed 11 Arab nations, with the UAE topping the list in the Arab world and ranking 26th globally. Qatar and Saudi Arabia followed, highlighting their progress in the knowledge domain.
The index revealed that ten African countries ranked the lowest, with Niger and Chad at the bottom. Arab nations demonstrated exemplary achievements in sectors such as pre-university education and ICT, outperforming global averages. The UAE’s performance in economic competitiveness and Saudi Arabia’s efforts in technological infrastructure were notable highlights.
The GKI 2024 underscores the consistent growth of Arab countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar in critical sectors, while highlighting areas for improvement in
countries such as Palestine, Morocco, and Mauritania. The forthcoming edition of the index will incorporate new components to address emerging technologies, ensuring a comprehensive portrayal of each region’s state of knowledge and development.
