Page 27 - MBRF PR REPORT - MAY 2025

Press release

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.

The “1 Million Qualified Innovators” initiative builds on the success of the Future Skills

Academy, which has already supported nearly 10,000 learners across the Arab States, delivering