DUBAI, UAE, December 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

National Geographic Channel, scientist Hiroshi Ishiguro and media personality Ahmed Alshugairi share US$ 1 million award  

National Geographic Channel; Hiroshi Ishiguro, Professor of the Department of Innovation Systems in the Graduate School of Engineering Science at Osaka University; and Ahmed Alshugairi, presenter of 'Khawatir' television programme, have been adjudged as winners of the US$ 1 million Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151207/293621 )

The winners were announced at the opening of the second Knowledge Summit 2015 in Dubai attended by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF) and other dignitaries including Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister.

Gary E. Knell, President and CEO of National Geographic, received US$500,000 at the ceremony while the others received US$250,000 each.

In a video address, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon called for investments in knowledge and empowerment to overcome the region's challenges, and praised the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in this regard. "Successive Arab human development reports warn that the region needs more knowledge, women empowerment and that several countries suffer from the effects of extremism, but these challenges can be overcome by empowering young people with new opportunities," he said.

Organised by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation (MBRF), the three-day Summit focuses on the theme, 'The Way to Innovation.' HE Jamal bin Huwaireb, Managing Director of MBRF, said: "The Knowledge Summit is a unique opportunity to achieve innovative solutions to overcome the region's challenges including the urgent need to secure jobs and decent livelihood for millions of young people. The Summit brings together innovators and experts to create ideas to strengthen the value of knowledge in Arab societies."

He said the initiatives associated with this Summit, such as the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award, the Arab Knowledge Index and the Arab Knowledge Portal will add momentum to developing knowledge.

Dr. Sima Bahouth, UN Assistant Secretary-General, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States in the UNDP, said: "The Arab Knowledge Index and associated 'Knowledge for All' electronic platform underline the link between knowledge, innovation and sustainable development. This is highlighted through the three Arab Knowledge Reports that we have produced with MBRF. I express my great appreciation to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continuous support for development and knowledge efforts in the Arab region and the world."

The results of Arab Knowledge Index, which monitors the status of knowledge in the Arab world, will be released at the Summit. Education is one of the key pillars of the Summit this year in addition to Information Technology, Scientific Research and Innovation in Media and Film Industry.

SOURCE Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation