MBRF and UNDP Launch Future Skills Academy to Empower Arab Workforce

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the Future Skills Academy, a pivotal initiative aimed at empowering the Arab workforce. Announced during the 'Digitalization for Sustainable Development' event at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, this academy is set to play a significant role in the region's transition towards a knowledge-based economy.

Targeting over a million individuals across Arab countries, the Future Skills Academy offers specialized training programs designed to bridge the gap between current skills and labor market demands. With the Arab region facing high youth unemployment rates and a notable disparity in digital talent, the academy's focus on digital skills and professional development is both timely and critical.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, highlighted the academy's alignment with the foundation's mission to foster global knowledge for community development. Similarly, HE Abdallah Al Dardari of the UNDP emphasized the initiative's potential to enhance digital capabilities and reduce inequalities in the labor market, including gender disparities.

The academy will provide a variety of certified programs, available both online and in-person, catering to a wide audience including students, professionals, and government officials. These programs are tailored to support global digitalization efforts, such as the Digitalization for Sustainable Development (DT4SD) program, and aim to promote social innovation through partnerships with universities and the private sector.

Furthermore, the launch of the Future Skills Academy coincides with the formation of a global coalition for skills development, set to convene at the 'Knowledge Summit' in Dubai in November 2024. This coalition reflects the MBRF's dedication to innovation and the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals, marking a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and economically vibrant Arab region.