Page 121 - MBRF PR REPORT - MAY 2025

5/5/25, 11:13 AM An international coalition comprising UNDP, ICESCO and MBRF supports Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Resea…
This landmark initiative provides access to high-quality training for Egyptian youth and learners. By
leveraging the Future Skills Academy, a flagship programme of the Knowledge Project, the initiative
offers specialized learning pathways that link innovation with labour market needs — a critical response
to the accelerating pace of global change and increasing digitalization.

The launch event, held in Cairo recently, convened government leaders, international partners, and
youth representatives to celebrate this ambitious step toward building a new generation of 1 million
qualified innovators.

In his remarks during the launch ceremony, H.E. Prof. Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education

and Scientific Research and Chair of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and
Culture, outlined the key objectives and implementation phases of the initiative. He emphasized that it
aligns with the goals of the presidential initiative “Alliance and Development”, noting that it will include
the launch of an integrated digital platform offering diverse pathways for professional and innovation-
driven skilling, along with training and employment opportunities for youth.

The launch of the '1 Million Qualified Innovators' initiative marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to
empowering Egypt’s youth. By equipping them with essential skills, we are laying the foundation for their
success and the prosperity of our countries. This milestone complements the National Strategy for
Higher Education and Scientific Research launched in March, and represents a vital step towards

achieving Egypt's Vision 2030.

In a recorded statement, H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, noted: “This initiative is
an open invitation to every pure dream, every ambition, and every mind passionate about change. It
aims to equip youth with the tools necessary for the future, the keys to leadership, and the instruments of
the digital economy—serving as a bridge to a new world that recognizes only innovation and creativity.”

H.E. Dr. AlMalik also commended the fruitful partnership that led to the launch of this pioneering
initiative, describing it as exemplary in terms of the synergy between international and national efforts.
He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting the initiative and to mobilizing its full expertise and
resources to help achieve its objectives.

Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for
Arab States, affirmed: “‘1 Million Qualified Innovators’ is not just a training project — it is a bold call to
action. It is a declaration that youth are not merely recipients of development, but its primary catalysts.
This initiative embodies our belief in the power of knowledge in creating opportunity and thus, delivering
progress for all.”

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, stated that the world is currently experiencing an
unprecedented knowledge and technological revolution. Studies indicate that more than 50% of today’s
workforce will need to reskill in the coming years, according to a report by the World Economic Forum. In
response, the initiative “1 Million Qualified Innovators” was launched as a practical solution to these

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