ABU DHABI (WAM)

The World Bank announced its collaboration with the ADGM Academy, the knowledge partner for ADGM and a leading centre for excellence in financial education to bolster financial literacy, economic knowledge, and sustainable development across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The first of what will be a series of Think Space events, was successfully delivered under the topic of ‘Growth in the Middle and North Africa Economic Outlook” at the ADGM Academy.

This collaboration aims to empower local talent, support job creation, and drive economic growth through comprehensive training programs, research initiatives, and policy advisory services/events.

The joint efforts will focus on fostering an environment that builds the skills and knowledge essential for individuals, businesses, and government institutions to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

By leveraging the World Bank’s global expertise in economic development and ADGM Academy’s regional insights and resources, the collaboration will provide impactful, accessible training and guidance to bridge knowledge gaps and promote financial inclusion.

Key initiatives of the ADGM Academy and World Bank collaboration include:

-Financial Literacy and Skills Development: Customised training programmes to enhance financial literacy across various segments of society, including youth women entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

-Research and Thought Leadership: Joint research initiatives addressing economic challenges and highlighting opportunities for growth within the MENA region.

-Policy Advisory and Capacity Building: Programmes to help government bodies and regulators develop sound economic policies that foster a sustainable and inclusive financial environment.

The World Bank’s Resident Representative to the United Arab Emirates, Iva Hamel, stated, “It is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of the World Bank ADGM Knowledge Series partnership, "ThinkSpace" today. This initiative marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to foster knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within the region. This year, we will host a range of lectures on diverse topics, bringing together experts and thought leaders to share their insights and experiences. We look forward to engaging with our partners and stakeholders through this knowledge series as we continue to support the development goals of the UAE.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mansoor Jaffar, CEO ADGM Academy and Research Centre, said, “We are honoured to work alongside the World Bank in this important initiative. This will allow us to make meaningful strides in building financial literacy and capability throughout the MENA region, which is essential for long-term economic prosperity.”

This collaboration highlights the commitment of ADGM Academy and the World Bank to support the MENA region in developing a resilient, knowledge-driven economy that meets the needs of its evolving society, he added.