Page 62 - MBRF PR REPORT - May 2024

5/23/24, 10:04 AM MBRKA: Celebrating Leaders in Knowledge Development - Middle East News 247
For more than 130 years, the National Geographic Society has funded the best and brightest individuals
dedicated to scientific discovery and understanding of our world.

The Society’s historic commitment to dauntless exploration dates back to its founding in 1888, when 33
prominent scholars and scientists established an organization dedicated to the “increase and diffusion of

knowledge.” This led to being chosen as one of the winners of the Mohammed bin Rashid Knowledge Award
in 2015.

Winners of MBRKA in 2016

In 2016, Melinda Gates won the MBRKA for her noble humanitarian efforts and charitable contributions. She

is one of the co-founders of the nonprofit organization – Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation – which combats
global poverty and diseases. She has been able to significantly improve the health and well-being of families

and communities, provide more educational opportunities and access to information technology globally, and
empower countless women and girls through her unwavering pursuit and committed efforts.

Masdar, a leader in renewable energy and clean technologies, and a fully owned subsidiary of Mubadala
Development, received the MBRKA in 2016. The company aims to achieve the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision
2030 by creating new revenue streams and advancing knowledge-based economic sectors in the Emirate.

With its emphasis on the essentials of clean energy project development and sustainable urban
development, it is among the global leaders in the clean energy sector.

The Arab Thought Foundation, an independent international non-governmental knowledge organization
established in 2000 by His Royal Highness Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the President of this Foundation and the

Chairman of its Board of Trustees, shared the MBRKA in 2016. The organization was founded with the single
objective of fostering pride in the Arab nation’s deeply ingrained values and principles through a responsible
freedom approach. The Foundation covers a wide range of topics, including media, literature, economics,
science, medicine, and administration.

Winners of MBRKA in 2017

In 2017, Dr. Wendy Kopp, CEO and Founder of Teach for America, Dr. Hiroshi Komiyama Yama, Founder of
the Platinum Community Network, and the MiSK Foundation, a charitable organization, won the Mohammed

bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award.

In 1989, Dr. Kopp established the Teach for America Foundation to offer equal educational opportunities for

children in America, and the Education for All Foundation to support aspiring social entrepreneurs who
sought to implement educational initiatives in their countries. Dr. Komiyama, President of the Mitsubishi

Research Institute, founded the Platinum Society Network in 2010 to create a global sustainability plan,
attracting more than 90 enterprises and 160 local governments. He also organized a wide array of initiatives
and projects to develop a ‘platinum society,’ which empowers people to lead a better quality of life.

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