Not many international meetings close in an optimistic mood.The phrases “failed to agree” or “agreed to meet again” are mentioned far too often at the conclusion of such events.But last month’s meeting of the World Economic Forum was a bit different.
Convened in Jordan, the Forum brought together an impressive list of international and regional leaders at a time of economic boom in the Middle East. Bolstered by oil wealth, the region is enjoying a surge of confidence that can lead to an unprecedented change.
But economic confidence alone is not enough. The Forum discussions recognized that, despite the ongoing regional conflicts, a business-led transformation is taking place, one that is hurtling the region into the globalization process. And it was in this light that investing in education and reorienting efforts towards the creation of aK (knowledge)-economy were singled out as two the big“positives” for which to strive.
This recognition of education as a key driver for the future of the Arab world received massive material support from HisHighness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the United ArabEmirates and ruler of Dubai. He announced, as a personal initiative, the establishment of the $10 billion “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation that will be based in theUAE and aim to build a knowledge-based society throughout the region.”
Despite recent – and commendable – advances, the education record of the region remains disappointing. This is only in part due to the neglect of female education. Another reason is that men may not be tempted to study beyond the point that is required for a public sector job. At universities in some GGC states, there is only one male student for every three female students.
Education alone will not solve the problems of unemployment nor will it necessarily accelerate the modernization of the regional economies. The 14% regional unemployment rates quoted at the Forum are not the result of lack of education or jobs – the presence of the many working expatriates attests. Quite simply education is not something that can bear fruit if there are no incentives or a vibrant economy.
Here is where the Foundation can make a difference, that is, in addition to its focus on education, to help clarify theK-economy vision for the region. In simplified terms, there are two polar approaches for the K-economy: the “enclave”approach that basically buys knowledge, technology and human skills from outside while the nationals work for government and have exclusive business licenses or hold work permits for expatriates.
A more dynamic, and more appropriate, approach is to go for an “innovative society”, a vision that would foster and rely more on local entrepreneurs and less on the government to act as the employer of the last resort or protector of monopolies. The innovative society vision encompasses a dynamic (not license holding) entrepreneurial environment, an efficient government, ability to use and capitalize on technological advances, attractive employment opportunities and a good work environment.
The Foundation’s objectives are in line with the creation of the more promising “innovative society” vision. In addition to education, the objectives include broader knowledge development, the establishment of research centers, support for scholars and intellectuals, and leadership programs for young people in government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
What needs to receive equal recognition and attention is that, compared to top-down approaches, the private sector has an important role to play in facilitating the evolution of Arab culture and promoting the role of the individual as an innovator and agent in the region’s development.
Within this context, education needs to be made more responsive to the needs of the modern global workplace. It should impart entrepreneurship, create a willingness to learn from failure and tolerate failure in others, as well as instill a sense of meritocracy and “mutual responsibility” between the state and its citizens (instead of the single responsibility of the state towards the citizen).
The Foundation’s endowment has been hailed as “the biggest in the Islamic world”. It therefore presents a unique opportunity to help define a dynamic vision for the region.It can contribute to the reinvention of the whole education system around the highest international standards, not just enclave international schools or changes in the curricula compared to the more challenging change of minds. It can help build a vibrant environment for businesses, offer rewards and, in turn, benefit from the productive employment to nationals as well as attract firms and people from allover the world.
Professor Zafiris Tzannatos is advisor to the World Bank and former Chair of the Economics Department at AUB. The views expressed are his own and don’t necessarily represent those of the World Bank.
