Page 66 - MBRF International Part 2 - September 2024

of knowledge. The aim is to nurture a generation of talented youth
equipped to address sustainable development challenges and
empowered with the skills to propose effective solutions," he added.

HE Abdallah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant
Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States of the
UNDP, said: "In addition to signifying a crucial advancement in our
strategic partnership with the MBRF, this academy represents a pivotal
step towards creating a comprehensive and sustainable future. Its
primary mission is to bridge the digital divide in the Arab region by
enhancing digital capabilities and equipping local communities with the
requisite skills to thrive in today's ever-changing world. By providing
essential and cutting-edge resources, the academy will empower
organisations and partnerships to leverage the opportunities offered by
the global digital economy."

Partnership model

On a broader scale, the academy is designed to bridge the digital divide,
promoting innovation, resilience, and inclusion by providing individuals,
governments, and SMEs with essential digital skills to drive digital
transformation and foster community innovation. It also seeks to
enhance social innovation through partnerships with universities and the
private sector, enriching learning experiences and improving practical
educational outcomes. Additionally, the academy addresses labour
market inequalities, including gender disparities, and offers educational
and vocational programmes tailored to support underrepresented
groups.

The Future Skills Academy is set to offer a diverse range of certified and
specialised programmes, available both online and in-person, in its initial
phase. It is designed to equip students, professionals, entrepreneurs,
educators, and government officials with essential future skills and will
act as a knowledge-driven catalyst, supporting various global
digitalisation and transformation initiatives, including the Digitalisation for
Sustainable Development (DT4SD) programme. This collaboration
underscores the synergy between UNDP initiatives and the Foundation's
commitment to bringing about positive social change through
educational initiatives.

Crucial support

The academy will play a pivotal role in enhancing the skills of younger

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation launches 'Future Skills Academy' as
part of the Knowledge Project | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (financialcontent.com)