The founder of an education network that encourages graduates to try their hand at teaching and a Saudi organisation that seeks to empower young people are among the winners of the fourth Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award.
The awards, announced ahead of the annual Knowledge Summit 2017 on Tuesday, looks to promote and help build a knowledge economy and encourage intellectual and creative achievements by honouring the people behind them.
Saudi Arabia’s MiSK Foundation, which specialises in developing educational institutions and supporting scientific research, is among those that will be honoured.
Others are renowned Japanese scientist Hiroshi Komiyama and American Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach For America and current chief executive of Teach For All, which seeks to encourage students to work as teachers for two years after university.
“It is a world-class event bearing the name of a great leader,” said Jamal bin Huwaireb, chief executive of the Mohammed bin Rashid Foundation and the award’s secretary general.
“It has been instrumental in amplifying Dubai’s efforts and cementing its pioneering role in developing the knowledge industry, not only in the emirate, but also in the region and the world.”
The foundation, which organises the award, will be honouring the winners during the summit, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“It aims to raise awareness of the importance of knowledge, all the while shedding light on the most notable achievements of individuals and institutions around the world that promote knowledge-centric societies,” he added.
The only winner from the Middle East region, the MiSK Foundation – also known as the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation – is a non-profit devoted to promoting education and leadership among young Saudis to shape a bright future for the Kingdom.
It is invested in educating young people in education, media and culture to support the advancement of the Kingdom’s development and its efforts to secure a prosperous future.
Mr Komiyama has also had significant contributions in innovation, developing educational institutions and scientific research. A seasoned veteran in optical and transformational engineering, he has put forward theories and insight into human and social sciences – particularly, science-based social sustainability.
