Dubai: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) is set to host the ‘3rd UNESCO World Open Educational Resources (OER) Congress’ under the theme ‘Digital Public Goods: Open Solutions and AI for Inclusive Access to Knowledge,’ scheduled from 19 to 20 November 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event is organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and is part of the Knowledge Summit 2024, co-organized by MBRF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to Emirates News Agency, this marks the first time the UNESCO World OER Congress is being held in the Arab World. The congress will gather around 500 ministers, senior officials, and decision-makers from pivotal sectors, including education, digital services, and communications. The event aims to unite policymakers, educators, and innovators from around the globe to explore the transformative potential of Open Educational Resources (OER) in promoting equitable access to kn
owledge.
The congress will delve into how OER can be utilized to foster global digital collaboration, following UNESCO’s 2019 recommendation. Attendees will participate in comprehensive discussions on best practices, innovations, and strategies to enhance the impact of OER. A significant emphasis will be placed on collaborative methods to expand access to OER on a global scale.
Additionally, the congress will establish guidelines to promote openly licensed content and address challenges posed by AI and other emerging technologies. The discussions are expected to culminate in the Dubai Declaration for Action on OER, which will outline specific steps to promote inclusive and equitable quality education worldwide.
The event aligns with the goals of the Knowledge Summit, known for being a prominent global platform for knowledge exchange, expertise sharing, and the presentation of success stories. The summit’s influence transcends discussions, offering a crucial venue for introducing groundbreaking insights and
innovative ideas. By highlighting best practices, the summit delivers practical solutions for urgent global challenges, rendering it a significant event for stakeholders worldwide.
