Top knowledge experts to drive vibrant discussions

First Knowledge Conference

DUBAI: Prominent knowledge influencers and experts from around the world are set to address some of the most critical issues related to knowledge transfer and localization during the first Knowledge Conference, which will be held from December 7 to 9, 2014, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai.

Organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) on the theme ‘Empowering Future Generations’, the conference, which is the first event of its kind in the region, will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and under the direction of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum, Chairman of MBRF.

“The first Knowledge Conference offers a unique opportunity for participants to listen to some of the most well-known personalities in the field of knowledge dissemination. During three days of thought-provoking discussions, these top knowledge influencers and experts will share their insights and first-hand experiences which will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the Arab world,” said Jamal Bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF.

Among the notable speakers on the opening day of the conference, Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, and Jimmy Wales, cofounder and promoter of the online non-profit encyclopedia Wikipedia, will address a session on the creation of knowledge through innovation and integration. The session will also be addressed by Prof Chizo Nakajima, Professor of Corporate Law and Governance and Director of the International Centre for Integrity and Governance at the London Guildhall Faculty of Business and Law.

At the opening session, Khalid AlWazani, Chief Economist, Strategist & Founding Partner of Issnaad Consulting, Jordan, and Prof Peter Stokes, Deputy Dean of the University of Chester Business School, UK, will analyze the transition from a knowledge society to a knowledge economy in the context of the Arab region.

Hussein Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, will be among the prominent speakers in the third session that will explore how local knowledge pool can be created in the Arab region. The session will also look at the UAE as a success story in the area of producing and localizing knowledge.

Dr. Hassan Hussein El-Bilawi, professor of Sociology of Education at Helwan University, Cairo; Moudi AlHomoud, former minister and prominent figure in the field of education and research in Kuwait; Ziad Al-Drees, Saudi ambassador to UNESCO; and Yousry ElGamal, former Minister of Education in Egypt, will speak during on the second day of the conference on integration of Arab youth in the process of knowledge transfer and localization.

On the concluding day of the conference, Dr Lana Mamcg, Jordan’s Minister of Culture, will be among the top luminaries who will evaluate the most important features of the Arab Knowledge Index, which will be launched during the conference as an annual indicator of the status of knowledge in the Arab world.

The final session will witness the participation of Riz Khan, prominent media personality, Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, Hamdi Kandeel, reputed Egyptian journalist, Essam Sharaf, academic and former Prime Minister of Egypt, Prof Peter Giblin, Board Member of American University of Cairo and management expert who works with senior level decision makers. During the session, these high profile figures will examine how the recent events in the Arab world have affected the values of the society. Registrations for participation in the conference are open for individuals, government and private sector representatives as well as local, regional and international stakeholders in dissemination, transfer and localization of knowledge.