The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the Future Skills Academy, an initiative designed to provide educational programs that equip individuals across Arab countries with essential skills for professional development and future employment opportunities. This development comes as the Arab region faces significant challenges, including high youth unemployment rates and a growing gap between individual skills and labor market demands. The academy aims to reach over a million people, offering specialized training to bridge these gaps.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, emphasized the academy's role in empowering future generations to develop sustainable solutions, stating it aligns with MBRF's commitment to spreading knowledge globally to support community development. The initiative builds upon the FutureSkills4All Initiative launched last year and is part of the broader 'Knowledge Project.' It was announced during the 'Digitalization for Sustainable Development' (D4SD) event at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, highlighting its importance in the region's pursuit of a knowledge-based economy.
The timing of this launch is critical, as recent statistics reveal that while 70% of the Arab population has internet access, only 1.7% are recognized as 'digital talents.' This disparity underscores the urgent need for initiatives that can bridge the digital divide. HE Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States of the UNDP, highlighted the academy's role in enhancing digital capabilities, noting it will provide essential resources to help organizations and partnerships leverage opportunities in the global digital economy. For more information on UNDP's regional efforts, visit https://www.undp.org/arabstates.
The Future Skills Academy will offer a range of certified and specialized programs, both online and in-person, targeting students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and government officials. These programs are designed to equip participants with crucial future skills, supporting various global digitalization and transformation initiatives, including the Digitalization for Sustainable Development (DT4SD) program. By focusing on practical education, the academy aims to create a more resilient and inclusive workforce.
In addition to its educational focus, the academy seeks to address broader societal challenges by promoting social innovation through partnerships with universities and the private sector. It aims to tackle labor market inequalities, including gender disparities, and offer tailored programs to support underrepresented groups. This holistic approach is intended to foster a more equitable economic environment across the Arab world.
The launch coincides with the formation of a global coalition for skills development, with stakeholders invited to participate in its inaugural meeting at the ninth edition of the 'Knowledge Summit' in Dubai in November 2024. This coalition underscores the MBRF's commitment to fostering innovation and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. For details on MBRF's initiatives, refer to https://www.mbrf.ae.
For HR vendors and talent management professionals, the Future Skills Academy represents a significant shift in the regional landscape, potentially creating new opportunities for partnerships and service offerings in skills training and development. As the Arab world grapples with a rapidly changing job market, initiatives like this could drive demand for innovative HR solutions that support digital upskilling and workforce transformation, ultimately contributing to a more economically vibrant region.
