MBRF to launch Arab Knowledge Index in Algeria

Dubai / WAM

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) a member of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, organised a workshop in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Algeria to launch the Arab Knowledge Index in the country.
The workshop was part of a series of workshops planned by MBRF and the UNDP in major Arab and international cities to highlight the outcomes of the Index.
Held under the patronage of Dr Tahir Hajjar, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Algeria, the workshop witnessed the participation of Randa Abu al-Hassan, Deputy Resident representative of the UNDP, and Noureddine Al Ghawali, representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Algeria.
While discussing the importance of the Arab Knowledge Index and its methodology during the first session of the workshop, the participants stressed the need to focus on knowledge skills, especially communication in Arabic in all sections of the society. The workshop called for emphasis on technical education and training, stating that the index has a direct impact on the labour market by helping reduce unemployment.
Addressing the workshop, Randa Abu al-Hassan pointed out that Arab Knowledge Index represents a major leap in the Arab knowledge project, from monitoring and analysing the status of knowledge in the region to the building of key tools to diagnose development issues. “It supports the creation of strategies to spread knowledge and achieve sustainable human development in all communities,” she added.
Speaking on the occasion, Noureddine Al Ghawali said the Ministry of Higher Education in Algeria welcomed the Arab Knowledge Index for its contribution in measuring the knowledge situation in Algeria and Arab countries. He said such projects will have a significant positive impact on
the Arab countries by highlighting the achievements of the Arab countries in the knowledge arena.
The second session of the workshop, moderated by Dr. Sayed Ahmed bin Zarwan from the University of Minnesota in the USA, discussed the possibility of linking universities with their economic environment. Highlighting the importance of scientific research, participants in the session stated that the Arab Knowledge Index indicators will support decision-makers in Algeria by showcasing the real status of knowledge in the country. The session called for the need to connect university education to the labour market requirements in line with the post-oil strategy adopted by Algeria.