Page 136 - MBRF PR REPORT - MAY 2025

5/5/25, 11:14 AM An International Coalition Comprising UNDP, ICESCO and MBRF Supports Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Res…
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 challenges by training a million youth in Egypt in

future skills. We are honoured that the “Future Skills Academy,” launched by MBRF in collaboration with the UNDP,
serves as a key contributor to this ambitious project.

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