More than 40 speakers including scientists, ministers and academic experts from oldest              universities in the world are set to take part in the upcoming Knowledge Summit 2015 in Dubai, UAE.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, a leader in the dissemination of knowledge and supporter of development efforts in the world, has announced the programme agenda and list of speakers at its Knowledge Summit 2015.

The second Summit will be held from December 7 to 9 at Grand Hyatt Dubai.

This was announced at a press conference held at the Emirates Towers, Dubai, in the presence of Jamal bin Huwaireb, managing director of the Foundation, and Yakup Beris, regional programme coordinator - Bureau for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme, and media representatives.

Bin Huwaireb said that the Knowledge Summit has further enabled the exchange of knowledge since its first edition was held last December.

Today, the Summit has established its credentials as a leading platform to discuss the most innovative solutions in the transfer, dissemination and localization of knowledge in Arab communities.

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation noted that the speakers have been chosen based on the best practices in the areas of innovation and knowledge, and with a view to keeping pace with the aspirations of Arab societies in light of current events. During the three days of the Summit this year, the various sessions will focus on areas that have the most impact on sustainable and positive flow of knowledge.

"Innovation in education will be one of the top priorities this year, considering its significance to the progress of the society, especially since the quality of education is closely linked to social development," said bin Huwaireb.

"Information technology is another key pillar that has transformed the society on an unprecedented scale, and plays a significant role in the development of major projects.

“Scientific research is also a major pillar in view of its role in the progress of societies and nations. Research has led to the development of technology and helped raise human capabilities. We are also witnessing innovation in the field of media and film industry, which is another focal area this year,’ he added.

Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister and Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple Inc, are among the most prominent international speakers at the summit. It will also host some of the Arab pioneers of knowledge such as Dr Labib Khadra, Jordanian Minister of Higher Education, and Elias Bou Saab, Minister of Education and Higher Education of Lebanon.

Bin Huwaireb said that the Summit will witness a number of major events, the most important of which will be the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award for 2015 that will honour an international figure for his or her contributions to the dissemination of knowledge.

"By choosing 'The Way to Innovation' as the theme of the Summit this year, we are keen to launch various innovative projects and initiatives that support the development of knowledge in the region. Accordingly, the Foundation - in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme - will unveil the results of the Arab Knowledge Index, which will highlight the real status of education in the Arab region and indicate the state of knowledge economy and information technology in each country. The index also takes into consideration the specific context, needs and challenges of each country in the region," said Jamal bin Huwaireb.

Yakup Beris, regional programme coordinator, Regional Hub- Bureau for Arab States of UNDP, said: "The Arab Knowledge Index is important to us as it helps in identifying better ways to enable human beings to access knowledge that truly matters for better opportunities to improve their lives. We foresee youth at the center of this vision.”

“That is why through the three earlier Arab Knowledge Reports, we have been emphasizing the importance of effective integration of youth in the transfer and localization of knowledge. The index would also allow us to propose ways for improving the enabling environment that allows youth to acquire all necessary skills and values to become active members of their society and contribute to its development,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service