Knowledge Summit 2018: Speakers Explore Role Of Governments In Empowering Youth And The Knowledge Economy
Relying on youth to develop the knowledge economy and sustainable solutions will prove crucial for the future, asserted experts at the fifth Knowledge Summit on December 5, 2018, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of MBRF Chairman H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the fifth edition of the Summit bears the theme: “Youth and the Future of the Knowledge Economy”.
During a discussion titled “The Role of Governments in Empowering the Youth and the Knowledge Economy”, H.R.H. Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, Chair of the Princess Sumaya University for Technology, spoke of the Jordanian experience in empowering youth, which make up 70% of the Arab world’s population.
“The foundation of our success is that we invested in minds before looking at the quantity,” H.H. said. “We mainly focused on how to attract the most able students. We are very selective in ensuring we have great students.”
“Illiteracy is the biggest issue in a large number of developing countries in the Southern Hemisphere,” H.R.H. said. “Sometimes, we have been too good at imitation rather than innovation and that’s where, at times, we have fallen flat.”
“Increasing collaboration among Arab countries is needed as many do not share knowledge,” H.H. stressed. “A forum like this is the biggest example of how we can bring people together and, as the Arab world, we are becoming professional at bringing people together, but it’s about seeing the benefits of this collaboration, hands-on, on the ground.”
Using social media as a vehicle for change will prove paramount; “it’s a vehicle that can be used to enhance productivity when used wisely,” Princess Sumaya said. “But in the absence of legislation by governments, this is where we start to fall back, and we need to urgently make sure we have the sound science policies that can affect that process.”
Ultimately, trust and confidence between youth and governments will play a vital role in progressing further. “You need to be able to build that interdependence between the government, private and public sector, and civil society,” H.H. concluded.
The Knowledge Summit 2018 brings together more than 100 speakers including experts, decision makers and stakeholders from around the world in more than 45 discussion panels.
