KUWAIT, Tuesday 22 October 2024 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD), have launched today the first workshop in the Knowledge Journey. This initiative is designed to empower Kuwaiti youth with skills needed to build a knowledge-based economy and contribute to Kuwait’s national development. The workshop marks the beginning of a series of events leading up to the Knowledge Week, scheduled for next year.  

A knowledge-based economy focuses on developing individuals who can create new industries, drive innovation, and adapt to changing global markets. For Kuwait, this is crucial to reducing reliance on oil and opening up opportunities in new sectors, increasing the private sector’s contribution and supporting the country’s economic diversification. 

As nations shift towards knowledge-driven societies, Kuwait’s Third National Development Plan, along with Kuwait Vision 2035, align with this global trend by focusing on innovation, youth empowerment, and fostering a dynamic private sector. The Knowledge Journey fosters exchanges between youth and policymakers, drawing on insights from the Global Knowledge Index (GKI), a tool that measures countries' performance in education, technology, research, and innovation. 

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the MBRF, said, "Today marks a critical milestone in Kuwait’s efforts to empower its youth and develop a knowledge-based economy. We are proud to have been part of the workshop’s launch through our partnership with the UNDP and the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD), a step towards supporting youth with the tools necessary to drive innovation and national development. Together, we hope to develop policies and programs that will shape a better future for coming generations." 

“UNDP is committed to supporting Kuwait’s journey towards economic diversification by supporting youth with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and strengthen the private sector” said Ms. Emma Morley, UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait. In an era where young people are leading positive change with their innovative ideas, this initiative empowers Kuwaitis to play an active role in shaping a sustainable future for the country and contributing to its long-term economic growth.”   

"This initiative represents a real opportunity for youth in Kuwait to develop their skills and engage with experts and decision-makers.” Said Ms. Eman Al-Sharrah from the National Knowledge Economy Center of the GSSCPD.  “The GSSCPD is committed to supporting these initiatives that contribute to achieving Kuwait's Vision 2035 and aim to develop human capital and enhance youth participation in achieving sustainable development. We believe that youth are the leaders of change, and by equipping them with knowledge and innovation, we can achieve a strong and diversified economy that relies on creativity and innovation." 

The workshop engaged participants in discussions with industry experts and UNDP representatives on the critical role of knowledge economies in driving future development, the significance of the GKI, and the need for continuous skills development to remain competitive in evolving markets.   

The Knowledge Journey will continue with additional sessions leading up to the Knowledge Week in the first quarter of 2025. This series offers youth in Kuwaiti with ongoing opportunities to engage with experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders, to generate innovative solutions that support Kuwait Vision 2035.  

For more information, please visit the website https://bit.ly/KWinKW  

For media inquiries, please contact UNDP Kuwait Communications Team | communication.kw@undp.org