Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the 14th International Government Communication Forum. He was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, and H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening featured two keynote speeches delivered by Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of Khan Academy, and William Kamkwamba, a Malawian innovator and engineer. The speeches offered visions highlighting the role of education and innovation in driving change and advancing sustainable development. Sal Khan discussed the impact of knowledge and modern technology in empowering individuals and fostering a "happiness economy," while William Kamkwamba shared how human ingenuity and determination can turn challenges into opportunities for creating solutions that inspire globally.
Sal Khan emphasized the importance of education and the role of knowledge-based societies. He called for shaping a future grounded in a 'happiness economy,' urging a global movement to reimagine societal structures. Khan stated that true progress should be measured by human well-being and personal fulfillment, not just economic indicators.
Khan highlighted the need for equitable access to learning opportunities, emphasizing their role in development. He envisioned a world where anyone could access knowledge and education for free, asserting that education is a powerful tool for empowerment. The democratisation of knowledge, he noted, is crucial for connecting all sectors of society and addressing global challenges.
Khan concluded by underscoring the importance of access to basic education, stating that a happiness economy thrives when people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Education as a force for justice, he argued, allows individuals to learn, grow, and flourish, making quality of life the true measure of success.
William Kamkwamba shared his experience of overcoming challenges growing up in a rural African village. He emphasized self-reliance and self-confidence as crucial to achieving change. Kamkwamba recounted how a severe drought in Malawi led him to seek solutions, eventually discovering a book on energy that changed his life.
Driven by a passion for learning, Kamkwamba's determination caught the attention of a local library that supported him. Media coverage followed, highlighting his invention-a wind turbine made from scrap wood and an old bicycle. His story spread globally, inspiring many.
In closing, Kamkwamba reflected on lessons from his journey and efforts to support other innovators. He noted the importance of mentors and support tools, which inspired him to establish an organisation dedicated to providing such support.