The Global Knowledge Index is a joint initiative by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and UNDP UAE aimed at measuring the multifaceted concept of knowledge. The index measures 138 countries based on different sectors: Pre-university education, technical and vocational education and training, higher education, research development and innovation, information and communications technology, economy, and general enabling environment.
The Global Knowledge Index 2020, which launched its fourth edition in December 2020 at a virtual press conference, has UAE on the 15th spot out of 138 countries according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The country has moved up three positions from rank 18 out of 136 countries last year. It also remained No. 1 in the region. The country maintained its position as the second-best in the world in terms of economy for the fourth year running, came 10th globally for pre-university education and first in five sectoral indices, sub-indices, and variables.
The performance summary in the report lists the strong as well as the weak areas. The country’s strong points on the index were listed as Intensity of local competition; active mobile-broadband subscriptions (per 100 inhabitants); researchers in business enterprise; the women-to-men ratio in parliament; and FDI, net inflows (percentage of GDP). Areas that needed improvement was: Labour force participation rate, female-to-male ratio, restrictive labour regulations, industrial design applications, renewable energy consumption, and total CO2 emissions per capita.
According to the Khaleej Times report, Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, in his comments on UAE’s performance on the index, said, “The UAE has performed very well in the index over the last four years. The UAE leadership works for the love of the people in the country. The UAE leads the world in the battle against COVID-19. The leadership has made scientific resolutions keeping in mind all people of the country.”
India ranked the 75th position with a score of 44.4, way ahead of other South Asian countries. Sri Lanka achieved the second position in South Asia and 87th position globally with a score of 42.1. Bangladesh ranked lowest in South Asia with a score of 35.9, bagging the 112th rank. Switzerland took first place, with a score of 73.6, followed by the US and Finland, respectively. Chad is in the last place, Angola ranked 137th, and Mauritania 136th.
