Future Skills Academy |
Introduction
Background:
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly 79th session, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), announced the launch of the Future Skills Academy. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills of individuals across the Arab States region, aiming to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation and resilience, and drive inclusive growth, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The academy will offer a diverse array of flexible educational programmes, tailored to meet the needs of various groups, including students, graduates, professionals in both the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
Why the Academy?
The academy represents a strategic investment in the future of Arab nations. By integrating the digital economy, it is projected to boost GDP per capita by approximately 46% over the coming years, contributing to long-term economic gains of up to US$1.6 trillion.
The academy will focus on developing educational pathways centred around three key skill areas:
1. Transferable Skills: Emphasizing essential competencies such as interpersonal skills, foundational digital literacy, and employability readiness.
2. Entrepreneurship Skills: Equipping participants with a comprehensive set of skills necessary for entrepreneurial success, including technical, managerial, and financial expertise.
3. Technical Skills: Targeting high-demand professions, with a focus on the top 50 most sought-after roles, including expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, machine learning, blockchain, data analysis, and more.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly 79th session, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), announced the launch of the Future Skills Academy. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills of individuals across the Arab States region, aiming to bridge the digital divide, foster innovation and resilience, and drive inclusive growth, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The academy will offer a diverse array of flexible educational programmes, tailored to meet the needs of various groups, including students, graduates, professionals in both the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
Why the Academy?
The academy represents a strategic investment in the future of Arab nations. By integrating the digital economy, it is projected to boost GDP per capita by approximately 46% over the coming years, contributing to long-term economic gains of up to US$1.6 trillion.
The academy will focus on developing educational pathways centred around three key skill areas:
1. Transferable Skills: Emphasizing essential competencies such as interpersonal skills, foundational digital literacy, and employability readiness.
2. Entrepreneurship Skills: Equipping participants with a comprehensive set of skills necessary for entrepreneurial success, including technical, managerial, and financial expertise.
3. Technical Skills: Targeting high-demand professions, with a focus on the top 50 most sought-after roles, including expertise in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, machine learning, blockchain, data analysis, and more.