Dubai: A report analysing the challenges to knowledge and education in the Arab world is expected to be launched at the Arab Strategy Forum (ASF) on Wednesday, as a joint project between the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Special addresses
The MBRF and the UNDP's Regional Bureau for Arab States will launch their report that is expected to extend and go deeper into some of the issues that were presented in the Arab Human Development Report of 2003, which focused on knowledge. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is expected to launch the forum, which will also focus on education this year, and deliver the speech on the topic.
The forum is expected to include special addresses by Amat Al Alim Al Soswam Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and regional director at the Regional Bureau for Arab States at the UNDP, Sima Bahouth, Assistant Secretary-General for Social Affairs at the Arab League, as well as Adel Al Sharid, Vice-President and Managing Director of the MBRF.
Dr Gaith H Fariz, Director of the Arab Knowledge Report at the UNDP, is also expected to present the findings of the report to the audience.
Bridge the gap
Intellectuals and experts from the Arab world as well as decision makers from Arab states and international bodies will be present in what has been described as an attempt to bridge the gap between decision makers and intellectuals in the region.
Renowned Saudi author and intellectual Turki Al Hamed is expected to present his views in one of the six planned sessions, along with Kamal Abdul Latif of the Mohammad V University in Morocco, and Abdul Kareem Al Eryani, former prime minister of Yemen and now political advisor to the president.
The session will be moderated by Dr Sulaiman Al Hattlan, chief executive of the ASF.
The Arab Strategy Forum chief executive will also be giving the opening speech for the forum on Thursday.