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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN / --

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al

Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) unveiled the 2020 results of the Global

Knowledge Index (GKI) in a conference held in Dubai and streamed globally.  

"Over the years, the Global Knowledge Index has formed an effective tool for

countries to measure knowledge as a broad concept that intricately relates to

all aspects of modern human life," said MBRF's CEO Jamal bin Huwaireb,

stressing the "decisive role knowledge played, especially after the COVID-19

pandemic, where the knowledge economy allowed for sustaining people's

livelihoods during turbulent times."

"The Index employs a participatory approach implemented by a multidisciplinary

core team and advisory board. It covers 138 countries using 199 indicators,

where 96 of them are original from international sources and 103 developed by

experts, and takes into consideration factors and sectors that are often not

fully-considered in similar attempts," explained Dr. Hany Torky, Chief

Technical Advisor of the UNDP Knowledge Project.

The GKI 2020 aims to alert policymakers on opportunities and risks across

multiple disciplines, inspiring them to formulate forward-thinking strategies

to support knowledge and promote it as a main component in establishing a

strong knowledge economy.

GKI 2020 revealed that Switzerland retained its number-one rank for the fourth

year, followed by the USA and Finland. Sweden and the Netherlands broke into

the world's top five countries ranking fourth and fifth, respectively.

The UAE retained its position in the world's top 20, advancing three positions,

ranking 15 on the global level and first among all the Arab states, while

retaining its second place globally on the level of the economy for the fourth

year.

The results of the Index show that countries around the world must invest more

in research, development, and innovation, where the global average is the

lowest among the sectors forming the Index. It measures knowledge across seven

sectors: pre-university education; technical and vocational education and

training; higher education; research, development and innovation; information

and communications technology; economy; and general enabling environment.

The UNDP and MBRF were determined to release this edition of the Global

Knowledge Index in difficult and exceptional times, continuing their pledge to

harness the power of knowledge and to contribute to achieving sustainable

development in the Arab region and beyond.

Photo:

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Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1373091/MBRF.jpg

SOURCE: Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation