ARAB NATIONS TOLD ‘EDUCATE OR STAGNATE’ FOR SAKE OF YOUTH
▶ Eradicating illiteracy is vital to capitalise on technology revolution, Knowledge Summit told
The Arab world must invest in educating youths or risk missing out on the fourth industrial revolution, said Jordan’s prime minister Dr Hani Al Mulqi.
Speaking at the Knowledge Summit in Dubai yesterday, Dr Al Mulqi said Arab countries were completely uninvolved in the second industrial revolution and “simply received” the technologies of the third one, without making a significant contribution.
“We do have the ability to play a big role in this revolution,” he said. “We must also have the will to do so. The UAE has made great strides in that regard and its successes are a source of pride for all the countries of the region.”
On concerns that technology will increase unemployment, Dr Al Mulqi said technology would not replace humans as it goes against the basic law of supply and demand.
“Unless these technologies leave room for people to have jobs, these people will not have the money to buy the products these technologies will produce,” he said. “We simply need to adjust our policies and steer them towards the benefit of the people.
“Young people are the most effective weapon in the arsenal of Arab countries, so Arab leaders must set the necessary legislation and instruments to produce knowledge and channel these developments towards the progress and well-being of societies.”
Dr Al Mulqi said youth in Jordan comprised two thirds of the population, “so it’s very important to have skilfull youth that are specialised in technology and innovation to get the opportunities they want and to have more knowledge disseminated in the region”.
It was announced at the summit that millions of Arab youth would be provided with quality education by 2030 in an aim to end illiteracy in the region.
The Literacy Challenge in the Arab World project was launched by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
It is designed to help eradicate illiteracy and provide people with the skills needed for them to succeed in a world of rapidly changing technology.
“This will empower them socially, culturally and economically, enabling them to become productive members of society,” the foundation said.
“Knowledge is a source of strength,” said Jamal bin Huwaireb, chief executive of the foundation. “Those who own knowledge own the future.
“We’re confident the summit will constitute a road map for building and advancing knowledge-based societies in our Arab region.
“Such societies build on innovation, and we synchronised the summit’s topics and activities with the UAE’s plans to capitalise on opportunities brought about by the revolution for the benefit of society.”
The summit marks a decade of work for the foundation, which is inspired by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the foundation’s chairman. “They understand that knowledge is a key pillar for developing societies,” the foundation said.
The project aims to ensure education provision for 30 million Arab youth under the age of 18 by 2030.
“Education is our best tool to fight ignorance and extremism. It is the only way to ensure the development and well-being of our people and societies,” Mr bin Huwaireb said.