'Strive for culture of invention'

Dubai: The region's high unemployment rate - the highest in the world at 15 per cent - is creating challenges of survival as well as reform and development.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launched 15 programmes targeting young men and women of the region as part of the Knowledge Complex to promote education at the Knowledge Conference yesterday. This is being launched as an initiative of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation.

No miracles

"Naturally, we are not in the age of miracles. There are no magical solutions, or ready recipes. Either we create miracles ourselves, and make solutions with our own hands, or the region will be heading towards millions of frustrated, angry young men and women... and you can imagine the consequences.

"Our only choice, in the governments, the private sector, and the civil community organisations is to work fast, organise, study, and plan," said Shaikh Mohammad.

"If every one of us carries out his responsibility, in whichever position he may be, and realises his own potentials, whatever they may be, we shall be able to fill the gaps, bypass obstacles, conquer challenges, and achieve comprehensive and steady growth," said Shaikh Mohammad.

A culture of invention, excellence and innovation in the establishments of knowledge and business in both the public and private sectors has to be pursued, he said.

New units

One of the programmes will offer business sponsorships in universities to encourage students to invent, and will help to apply new inventions in practical life.

The programme will start new units in the universities that want them, and will link the inventors with funds and business sectors.

"The foundation will be concerned with building the potentials of the leaders and the infrastructure of these establishments, through a number of studied initiatives, programmes and incentives. The foundation will also be concerned with developing the potentials of small and medium size companies to help them stay active, and able to develop and take part in creating new jobs," he said.

"Bring your new ideas and projects and you will find that we welcome and support you. Naturally, you will ask about the possibility and method of carrying out all these ambitious projects. I assure all of you that the foundation is able to carry out all these projects," said Shaikh Mohammad.

On sidelines: Mohammad meets Ehsanoglu and Mousa

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday met with Ekmel Al Deen Ehsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and Amr Mousa, Secretary-General of the Arab league.

They reviewed issues related to knowledge and higher education in Arab and Muslim countries, and obstacles that hinder the development of society and improving living conditions of Arabs and Muslims.

- WAM