MBRKA to be awarded to
entities fighting epidemics

Knowledge reinforces practical
policies to help societies face epidemics and their challenges

Under
the directives of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum Knowledge Award (MBRKA), the MBRKA’s Board of Trustees held
a virtual meeting on July 2nd,
2020. Chaired by His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb Vice Chairman of
the Board of Trustees and Secretary General of MBRKA, the meeting was
attended by board members representing world leading institutions
including the UAE University, Cairo University, University of Oxford,
University of Tokyo, and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological
University and the Institute of International Education. During the
meeting the Board decided that the Award should be given this year to
individuals and organizations seeking to enhance knowledge in
combating epidemics and infectious diseases.

MBRKA’s Members of the Board
of Trustees discussed in the meeting the most prominent aspect that
will be highlighted and the individuals and organizations that will
be honored as the 2020 Laureates. The Board discussed international
efforts to combat infectious diseases and epidemics such as SARS
CoV-2 and Covid-19, and how to overcome the problems they brought
about. It was decided that nominations will be encouraged from
individuals and organizations working to add knowledge in dealing
with epidemics. This will serve as a platform for experts to come up
with recommendations that highlight the policies and practical
methods to help societies combat epidemics and their challenges.

The
Boar of Trustees highlighted that the challenges facing all human
beings as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic have been addressed by
individuals, organizations, governments and others who work together
to apply knowledge, and have shown dedication to help us understand
and deal with the threats to health and wellbeing. The impact of the
epidemic has been felt not only in
physical and mental
health, but its repercussions have affected other areas such as
education, employment, business and government strategies.

Full
details of the Mohammed bin Rashid Knowledge Award and how to
nominate potential laureates can be found on
https://mbrf.ae/knowledgeaward/.
The closing date for 2020 nominations is the 31 August.

About
MBRKA

In late 2015, His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime
Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued a Decree establishing
the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award to encourage those
working in knowledge-related fields to innovate and create new ways
to spread knowledge around the world. It reflects Dubai’s – and
its Ruler’s – resolve to honour knowledge-related advancements
anywhere in the world, all the while encouraging innovation and
originality.

In
2016 HH Sheikh Mohammed issued a Decision forming the Award’s Board
of Trustees under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Members of the Board include Jamal
bin Huwaireb, Vice Chairman of the Board and Secretary -General, and
representatives of United Arab Emirates University, Cairo University,
Nanyang Technological University, Oxford University and National
Geographic.

The
Award succeeded in attracting international attention to the
Knowledge Summit, an unprecedented type of event in the region. The
award is presented every year during the Knowledge Summit to honour a
person or institution that has made outstanding contributions to the
production and dissemination of knowledge.

With
a monetary prize of a generous $1 million, the award is given to
honour contributions of significant influence toward developing
knowledge, inspiring others, and creating ways to promote knowledge.
Areas of nomination include knowledge, development, innovation,
leadership, creativity, development of educational institutions and
scientific research, telecommunication technology, printing,
publishing, paper and electronic documentation, and such additional
areas as may be specified and announced by the Board of Trustees from
time to time.