The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled the results of the Global Knowledge Index 2024 (GKI 2024) during the Knowledge Summit 2024 held at the Dubai World Trade Center.
The GKI serves as a global benchmark for assessing nations’ achievements in education, technology, and innovation.
Sweden topped the index with a score of 68.3, followed by Finland and Switzerland. The UAE ranked first in the Arab world and 26th globally, scoring 60.9. Qatar and Saudi Arabia followed at 39th and 41st globally, respectively. The GKI assessed 141 countries, including eight new additions.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, highlighted the index's role in empowering governments to identify opportunities, enhance innovation, and drive development. Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari of the UNDP emphasized the importance of nurturing youth creativity and embracing technologies like AI to shape knowledge economies.
The UAE excelled globally in ICT (4th) and economic competitiveness, while Saudi Arabia ranked 4th in pre-university education. Arab nations outperformed global averages in ICT and pre-university education, with an average score of 64.1 compared to the global 61.9.
Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser at UNDP, discussed the Future Skills initiative’s role in bridging skill gaps. He stressed the potential of AI as a transformative tool for humanity.
The GKI underscores both achievements and challenges, urging nations to advance education, research, and innovation. The forthcoming index promises to integrate emerging technologies, ensuring its relevance as a global knowledge benchmark.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
