Arab Knowledge Index launched to promote development

DUBAI // A programme was launched on Wednesday to measure levels of knowledge in the region.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme announced the Arab Knowledge Index at a Dubai summit, state news agency Wam reported.

The index is described as a way to annually monitor the status of knowledge in Arab countries. It was developed after a year of field research, studies and workshops in countries including Morocco, Jordan, the US, France and the UK, said Jamal bin Huwaireb, managing director of the foundation.

The index will measure knowledge levels in six main categories: pre-university education, higher education, vocational education and training, research, development and innovation, information technology and communication, and economics.

“The Arab Knowledge Index takes into account national, historical and cultural characters of each country, and is flexible enough to be adopted in countries with different development levels,” said Mr bin Huwaireb.

Dr Sima Bahouth, UN assistant secretary-general and director of the United Nations Development Programme’s Arab regional bureau, said: “We live in turbulent times and the region is losing focus in the area of knowledge, leading to spurts in extremism and other issues of concern.

“Qualitative education can help eradicate poverty and unemployment and help establish development channels.”

Reports are available at knowledge4all.com.

The programme was announced at the three-day Knowledge Summit in Dubai under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.