Dubai Cares’ activity in 2021 strengthens international education policy
Marking a number of key milestones on its 14-year journey in 60 developing countries, Dubai Cares, a civil society organisation formally affiliated with the UN Department of Global Communications, ended 2021 with a series of global achievements that reinforced its position as a strong advocate for global transformation in education.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai Cares, as part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, launched key new initiatives and programmes that together contributed to its vision of being a leading global force in transforming education and learning for a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
Commenting on Dubai Cares’ achievements in 2021, H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares, said: “2021 will be remembered as a historic year not only for Dubai Cares, but also for the UAE and the education sector as a whole. Our achievements over the past year proudly demonstrate our leadership’s continued commitment to being an active global voice for the transformation of education. The world has long suffered the consequences of a broken and outdated education system. Through all the initiatives we have taken in the past year, the UAE has strengthened its role in the global education community as a tireless advocate for a better future for our children and youth, highlighted by the resounding success of initiatives such as the RewirEd Summit and our other key events. Our founder His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been the driving force behind the innovative events that have made 2021 the most successful year for Dubai Cares to date. His Highness’ vision inspires us to push the boundaries and offer better solutions that can give children and youth around the world the future they deserve.”
The Dubai Cares Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai opened its doors to the world on 1 October 2021 under the theme “The Future is Human”. This one-of-a-kind experience invites visitors of all ages, including children, young people, parents, educators, high-level delegates and people from all walks of life, to take an exciting, interactive journey into the future of education, training and work. The Dubai Cares Pavilion takes visitors on a journey that will tell the story of Dubai coming together to create a movement that has and continues to change the world for the better. Through various zones, the pavilion has helped to instil a deeper understanding of the importance of learning at different stages of development and allowed visitors to learn more about what the future holds for the coming generations and the skills needed for tomorrow’s work.
In 2021, the pavilion attracted 74,488 international and local visitors and welcomed 4,641 students from more than 250 schools to participate in educational workshops organised by Dubai Cares. In addition, 874 school students visited the pavilion in 2021, allowing teachers and students to debunk myths about learning and a glimpse into the future of education and future skills.
The pavilion also hosted 47 events on various topics including education, girls’ empowerment, skills training and more. In addition, the pavilion hosted 58 delegations including UN representatives, government officials, dignitaries and representatives of private organisations.
Sponsors of the Dubai Cares pavilion include LG Electronics, Skechers, Audi, Zand and Al Gurg Consultants.
H.E. Amina Mohammed, UN Under-Secretary General, said: “I thank Dubai Cares and partners for bringing us together at this critical time. The COVID-19 pandemic risks turning a global learning crisis into a generational disaster that will undermine decades of progress and jeopardize our collective efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030. But this crisis also presents us with an opportunity to close the equity gap, reach the most vulnerable, invest in girls’ education and end learning poverty. I thank Dubai Cares and its partners for bringing us together to seize this opportunity.
Despite the ongoing health crisis, volunteers continued to support Dubai Cares’ activities by participating in key events including RewirEd Talks, RewirEd Summit, Dubai Cares Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and Volunteer Emirates (packing school kits and renovating schools). The organisation also participated in two high-level events, including the International Association of Volunteer Effort (IAVE) Global Leadership Summit in partnership with the Emirates Foundation and the annual Emirates School Employability Strategy Webinar, aimed at further strengthening the UAE’s position as a civic leader.
.@DubaiCares engagements in 2021 strengthen international education agendas and complement education development strategies globally. #Dubaihttps://t.co/jKGXmHM6pj pic.twitter.com/h8DZF4kccm
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 9, 2022
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