In a move aimed at strengthening integration among leading national institutions and supporting the transformation towards a knowledge-based society, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the University of Business and Technology signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement on Monday. The signing ceremony took place at Mawhiba's headquarters. This agreement aims to unify efforts in the field of discovering and nurturing gifted individuals, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Details of the agreement and its parties
The agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Al-Kridis, Secretary General of the Mawhiba Foundation, and Dr. Abdullah Dahlan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Business and Technology. This partnership is based on a solid foundation for the exchange of knowledge and expertise between research staff and practitioners from both institutions, with the aim of raising the level of national competencies and developing capabilities in the fields of talent and creativity, thus creating a fertile environment for innovation and continuous development.
Context of the national vision and human capacity development
This step comes within a broader national context, namely the Human Capital Development Program, one of the programs for achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to equip citizens with the skills necessary to compete globally. The partnership between specialized non-profit organizations like Mawhiba and the private academic sector, represented by the University of Business and Technology, is a cornerstone for bridging the gap between general and university education, ensuring the continued nurturing of talented individuals throughout their higher education, and guiding them towards specializations that serve the knowledge economy.
The pioneering role of “Mawhiba” in the national system
Since its inception, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity has played a pivotal role in positioning the Kingdom on the global map of creativity, with its students achieving prestigious international awards in competitions such as ISEF. The Foundation continuously expands its partnerships with leading universities to ensure a nurturing environment for creative individuals after they graduate from school. This agreement further solidifies this role and broadens the scope of services offered to gifted students to include advanced research and academic opportunities.
Areas of cooperation and expected impact
The areas of cooperation stipulated in the agreement include actively contributing to the development of a future vision for the education and care of gifted individuals, highlighting national programs and initiatives, and showcasing their developmental and societal impact. This partnership is expected to contribute to the development of an integrated and sustainable system for talent and creativity in the Kingdom by combining practical and academic expertise and providing clear pathways for gifted individuals to ensure their potential is channeled into high-quality national projects, thus enhancing the Kingdom's position as a regional and international hub for nurturing creative minds.
