The mission of the Middle Eastern Knowledge Economy Institute (MEKEI) is to use research and education to help transform the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to advanced, knowledge-based societies led by sustainable innovation and social advance. Many consider MENA region as one of the most important emerging parts of the world economy in the 21st century. MENA is strategically vital as it produces the majority of the world’s oil. However, despite the region’s oil, most MENA countries score lower on Human Development Index world ranking, with GDP, productivity and investment rates well below the global average. It is, therefore, becoming widely accepted that the dominant economic model of the region – based on the public sector, oil incomes and workers’ remittances – is not up to the challenges of modern globalisation and the needs of advanced knowledge-based societies. Given the apparently contradictory needs of economic growth and environmental conservation, it comes as no surprise that knowledge management, innovation and sustainable development have had such a powerful influence in contemporary discussions on the future of the region. The main objectives of MEKEI are to:

  • Conduct advanced strategic research on the performance and transformation of the region into a sustainability, knowledge-intensive economy.
  • Provide policy advice and training based on concrete evidence and analysis to regional policy makers and business leaders.
  • Develop Middle Eastern research capability with other leading international research centres worldwide.
  • Undertakes research, teaching and training on the key factors that are influencing innovation, change and knowledge management in the MENA region.

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Training and Capacity Building

MEKEI runs training workshops on the key factors that are influencing innovation, change and knowledge management in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, that are essential for transforming the countries in the region to advanced, knowledge-based societies led by sustainable innovation and social advance. Our various training packages are designed and delivered by the top and renowned experts from across  the world to help countries in the MENA region to diversify their economies and achieve sustainable competitiveness. English is the main language for all our training programs but we have several facilitators who can deliver the packages in other languages including Arabic language.

Smart KM Model​

MEKEI provides advisory services and consultancy support for major knowledge-based projects across the MENA region. Our consultants led the implementation of the first of its kind in the MENA region Knowledge Management Framework (KMF) which focuses on empowering employees, enabling them to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided to residents. The KMF aims to enable employees to acquire and share information and international best practices, create creative and up-to-date methods for communication, exchange of knowledge and experiences, promote their functional performance, increase their productivity and enhance provided services.

Publications

MEKEI publications (books and journals) promote a coherent approach to solving global sustainability problems through science and technology. A holistic approach is used to critically examine the interrelationship between the natural, governmental, economic and social dimensions of our world and how science and technology can contribute to solutions. 

Children and Youth Engagement and Participation

In collaboration with WASD and other international partners, MEKEI is very keen to encourage the engagement of children and youth from across the world in the conference. We are keen to make the voice of all our children and youth heard and consequently enabling the decision makers to consider those views and ideas in their big decisions. The entire concept of Sustainable Development is about the future and the future is all about the children and youth! Youth population is growing rapidly in all regions of the world and we are very keen to understand the children and youth perspectives and expectations for their future to help them be ready to grasp the various opportunities generated in the digital economy. We strongly believe our children and youth should be the cornerstone of any strategy by all governments and policy makers. We must listen to our children and youth and more importantly how we can help our youth with their future employment plans and aspirations. Youth from all-over the world are encouraged to participate in all MEKEI/WASD activities and events and present their research, perspectives and initiatives.

Lena Allam (8 years old) urging world leaders to achieve the SDGs before 2030

A pioneering initiative led by students from Ahlia University Bahrain Centre for Entrepreneurship

Suaad Al-Hammadi, a young Emirati professional project devoted to Syrian youth refugees

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