Latest news with #futureSkills
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research establishes Advisory Committee for Higher Education and Future Skills
The establishment of the committee reflects the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and advance the development of the higher education sector in the UAE During its first meeting, the committee reviewed the current state of higher education in the UAE, HEI classification, and areas of improvement H.E. Abdulrahman Al Awar: The formation of the committee reflects the Ministry's commitment to a participatory and integrated approach to shaping the future of higher education that enhances graduates' qualifications and builds their capacities We believe that developing a successful and sustainable higher education system requires strong collaboration with national companies, the private sector, and research institutes Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR) has established the Advisory Committee for Higher Education and Future Skills, chaired by His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The newly formed body is one of the subcommittees of the Higher Education Committee of the Education, Human Development and Community Council. The move reflects the Ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and advance the development of the higher education sector in the UAE. The committee will contribute to building a flexible and forward-looking education system capable of meeting national development priorities and keeping pace with the rapid transformation of the global labour market. H.E. Dr. Al Awar said: 'At MoHESR, we believe that developing a successful and sustainable higher education system requires strong collaboration with national companies, the private sector, and research institutes. The formation of the committee is a testament to our commitment to adopting a participatory and integrated approach to shaping the future of higher education that enhances graduates' qualifications, builds their capacities, and prepares them to contribute to a competitive, knowledge-based economy. Its work will support our vision for a dynamic, responsive educational system that equips students with the skills required to lead our nation's journey of sustainable development.' He added: 'We continue to work closely with our partners in the public and private sectors to redesign the higher education system to be more agile, flexible, and closely linked to the needs of the economy, technology, and society. This approach will ensure that our graduates possess high-quality qualifications and advanced skills that match their ambitions while contributing to national progress.' The committee comprises a distinguished group of academic leaders from the UAE's higher education institutions (HEIs), alongside representatives of key economic sectors, including technology, industry, energy, health, tourism, and investment. The diverse membership reflects the alignment of the higher education system with national development priorities. During the committee's first meeting, held at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the current state of the higher education in the UAE was reviewed, along with the committee's role in developing the sector, linking it to secondary education and labour market. It also discussed enhancing its global competitiveness through active collaboration with international, industrial, and research institutions, addressed the performance of UAE-based HEIs in global rankings and explored strategies for improving their positions. The members evaluated criteria for collaboration between HEIs and the industrial sector within the approved framework. Additionally, a pilot initiative was launched to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education, and specialized working groups were formed to oversee the implementation of the committee's initiatives and recommendations. As part of its mandate, the committee will propose higher education development plans and work to align them with general education development plans. It will also assess the performance of HEIs, offering recommendations for improvement in line with international competitiveness indicators and national needs. In addition, the committee will drive collaboration between HEIs and strengthen partnerships with the public and private sectors to ensure that higher education outcomes match the needs of the labour market. Further responsibilities include enhancing coordination between HEIs, research councils, and key economic sectors in the UAE, organising conferences and other scientific events, and forming specialised technical teams to implement joint initiatives and projects across various sectors. The formation of the committee is part of the Ministry's efforts to boost the global competitiveness of the UAE's higher education and scientific research sectors and aligning them with the country's strategic objectives, most notably building a knowledge economy and developing national human capital. For further information, please contact: Maher Al Bash Weber Shandwick E: MAlbash@ Sara Abuhassira Weber Shandwick E: SAbuhassira@ Shamma Al Sabt Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research E: Sara Farrah Weber Shandwick E: Sfarrah@
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Future Skills Academy records wide interaction and creates tangible knowledge impact in its first phase
Dubai, UAE - The Future Skills Academy, one of the pioneering initiatives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Coursera, has recorded significant engagement and promising results in its first phase. This marks a strong start towards its mission to empower Arab learners with future-ready job market skills. The wide interaction received by the academy in its first phase underscores the growing demand for individuals to develop digital and vocational skills in the Arab world. As part of its ambitious goal, the academy aims to enable 10 million learners in the Arab region to acquire the most in-demand job market skills by 2030, targeting 25,000 learners in 2025. It offers curated courses in high-demand fields such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship, in addition to developing transferable skills. Within one month of its launch, the academy witnessed a surge of interest from thousands of learners across various Arab countries. Learners completed 4,721 courses, viewed more than 191,419 educational videos, read more than 126,136 educational materials, and completed over 108,568 assessments, totaling 45,385 hours of effective learning. Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States (UNDP), said: 'According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, nearly 59% of the global workforce, including Arab graduates, young people, women, and marginalized groups, will require training and skills development within the next five years. With 39% of basic job market skills projected to change by 2030, the necessity to strengthen educational and vocational reskilling programs to prepare future generations for the changing requirements within the labor market is critical.' He continued: 'The Future Skills Academy is a strategic response to these shifting dynamics in the Arab region. By empowering 10 million Arab learners, including young graduates, with future skills by 2030, our academy contributes to economic recovery, enhances prosperity, and supports sustainable development through inclusive, future-focused education. With a focus on continuous learning, we seek to bridge basic skills gaps and unlock the potential of Arab talent to lead innovation.' Al Dardari also added: 'This academy not only develops skills but also enhances the competitiveness and strength of the workforce and economies in Arab countries.' His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: 'The strong response to the academy reflects the Arab world's growing commitment to acquiring digital and professional skills as well as lifelong learning. It also underscores learners' passion and interests to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for their countries, foster sustainable development and advance a competitive, knowledge-based economy.' H.E. added: 'At MBRF, we believe that cultivating talent is the cornerstone of both intellectual and socio-economic progress. Through this initiative, we seek to empower 10 million Arabs by 2030, inspired by our wise leadership's vision to prioritize human development and knowledge advancement. In collaboration with our strategic partners, we reaffirm our commitment to empower as many young talents across the Arab world as possible, equipping them to compete and lead in the knowledge economy and sustainable development across all sectors.' Kais Zribi, Coursera's General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, said: 'As industries transform rapidly under the influence of technology, access to high-quality, market-aligned education is more essential than ever. The Future Skills Academy opens doors for thousands of Arab learners to gain practical, in-demand skills, supporting personal and professional growth as well as regional economic development. We are proud to partner with UNDP and MBRF on this impactful mission.' The academy builds on the earlier FutureSkills4All program, which enabled 10,000 learners to complete 15,000 training programs, totaling 114,000 hours of learning. With this new phase, MBRF and UNDP aim to deepen their impact and foster knowledge sustainability across the Arab world. The Future Skills Academy offers flexible digital learning through an advanced electronic library featuring content and programs from leading global universities and institutions. Looking ahead, the academy plans to expand its strategic partnerships, further enhance content quality and broaden access for diverse communities. For more information about the Future Skills Academy and to register for upcoming cohorts, please visit the website:
