Cairo – Dubai – Rabat | The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in collaboration with an international coalition comprising the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), has officially launched the “1 Million Qualified Innovators” initiative. This initiative serves as a key implementation mechanism of Egypt’s national presidential programme “Alliance and Development”, aiming to equip one million young people with future skills and connect them to meaningful employment opportunities. 

This landmark initiative provides access to high-quality training for Egyptian youth and learners. By leveraging the Future Skills Academy, a flagship programme of the Knowledge Project, the initiative offers specialized learning pathways that link innovation with labour market needs — a critical response to the accelerating pace of global change and increasing digitalization. 

The launch event, held in Cairo on 28 April 2025, convened government leaders, international partners, and youth representatives to celebrate this ambitious step toward building a new generation of 1 million qualified innovators. 

In his remarks during the launch ceremony, H.E. Prof. Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chair of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, outlined the key objectives and implementation phases of the initiative. He emphasized that it aligns with the goals of the presidential initiative “Alliance and Development”, noting that it will include the launch of an integrated digital platform offering diverse pathways for professional and innovation-driven skilling, along with training and employment opportunities for youth. 

The launch of the '1 Million Qualified Innovators' initiative marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to empowering Egypt’s youth. By equipping them with essential skills, we are laying the foundation for their success and the prosperity of our countries. This milestone complements the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research launched in March, and represents a vital step towards achieving Egypt's Vision 2030. 

In a recorded statement, H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, noted: “This initiative is an open invitation to every pure dream, every ambition, and every mind passionate about change. It aims to equip youth with the tools necessary for the future, the keys to leadership, and the instruments of the digital economy—serving as a bridge to a new world that recognizes only innovation and creativity.” 

H.E. Dr. AlMalik also commended the fruitful partnership that led to the launch of this pioneering initiative, describing it as exemplary in terms of the synergy between international and national efforts. He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to supporting the initiative and to mobilizing its full expertise and resources to help achieve its objectives. 

The “1 Million Qualified Innovators” initiative builds on the success of the Future Skills Academy, which has already supported nearly 10,000 learners across the Arab States, delivering over 115,000 learning hours. With engagement and completion rates that exceed global benchmarks, the Academy reflects the region’s strong appetite for self-development and digital learning. 

Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, affirmed: “‘1 Million Qualified Innovators’ is not just a training project — it is a bold call to action. It is a declaration that youth are not merely recipients of development, but its primary catalysts. This initiative embodies our belief in the power of knowledge in creating opportunity and thus, delivering progress for all.” 

H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, stated that the world is currently witnessing an unprecedented knowledge and technology revolution. According to the World Economic Forum, studies show that over 50% of today’s workforce will need to reskill within the next few years. 

ICESCO and the Knowledge Project envision “1 Million Qualified Innovators” as a cornerstone for regional cooperation on future skills development, anchored in scalable digital platforms, cutting-edge content, and strong public-private partnerships. 

With the platform now active, learners from across Egypt can embark on their journey toward promising, future-ready careers, transforming the vision of 1 million qualified innovators into a shared reality across the region. 

About UNDP 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries and territories, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at https://undp.org or follow at @UNDP. 

About MBRF 

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai in May 2007, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation has since led and implemented pioneering programmes aimed at establishing Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as the centre for knowledge and research. MBRF aims to empower future generations and enable them to devise sustainable solutions to facilitate the process of knowledge and research in the Arab World. The Foundation is committed to create knowledge-based societies throughout the region by funding research projects, activities, and initiatives. It nurtures ideas and innovation while focusing on its main pillars which are education, entrepreneurship, and research and development. 

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai in May 2007, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation has since led and implemented pioneering programmes aimed at establishing Dubai and the United Arab Emirates as the centre for knowledge and research. MBRF aims to empower future generations and enable them to devise sustainable solutions to facilitate the process of knowledge and research in the Arab World. The Foundation is committed to create knowledge-based societies throughout the region by funding research projects, activities, and initiatives. It nurtures ideas and innovation while focusing on its main pillars which are education, entrepreneurship, and research and development. 

About the Knowledge Project 
The Knowledge Project is a joint initiative between the United Nations Development Programme’s Regional Bureau for Arab States (UNDP) – RBAS and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), dedicated to supporting countries across the Arab region and beyond in building inclusive, knowledge-based societies to drive sustainable development. Launched in 2009, the project encompasses a wide array of pioneering knowledge products, including the Arab Knowledge Reports, Arab Knowledge Index, Knowledge4All portal and mobile app, Arab Reading Index, Future of Knowledge Foresight Reports, and the Global Knowledge Index. 

Entering a new phase in 2021, the partnership has been renewed through 2030, with an increased focus on digital transformation, advancing workforce engagement, and forging global partnerships. A key initiative under this phase is the Future Skills Academy, which aims to equip citizens in the Arab States region, including youth, with the essential future skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving labour market. 

The Knowledge Project plays a critical role in identifying gaps and opportunities within national knowledge systems, offering evidence-based insights that inform policy and empower future generations. 

About ICESCO 

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) stands at the forefront of advancing knowledge, promoting scientific excellence, and driving sustainable development across its member states. As part of its ongoing mission to cultivate a future-ready, innovative culture, ICESCO is actively pursuing the prestigious Innovation Certificate in collaboration with Gini, a leading international certifying body for innovation. 

This strategic pursuit demonstrates ICESCO’s unwavering commitment to fostering a spirit of creativity, adaptability, and continuous improvement—qualities essential for organizations seeking to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. 

Gini is globally recognized for its expertise in assessing and certifying organizational innovation. By applying rigorous, evidence-based standards, Gini evaluates institutions’ capacities for innovative thinking, agile problem-solving, and impactful change. Achieving the Gini Innovation Certificate signifies not only compliance with international best practices, but also a proven readiness to lead and inspire progress. 

In today’s world, innovation is the main driver of organizational success. It shapes the ability of institutions to anticipate change, seize new opportunities, and deliver transformative solutions for the communities they serve. Through its partnership with Gini, ICESCO is reinforcing its role as a catalyst for knowledge, progress, and youth empowerment—ensuring that innovation remains at the heart of its vision for a better future.