To capitalise on the world’s ultimate renewable energy, we need renewed investment in education, said the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

To capitalise on the world’s ultimate renewable energy, we need renewed investment in education, said the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Speaking during Day Two of the World Government Summit 2017 in Dubai, HE Irina Bokova said to unlock human ingenuity and successfully tackle global challenges, it is high-time that education is made a priority on the public policy agenda.

“When it comes to education, 'business as usual' is no longer an option,” she said. “Human ingenuity is the ultimate renewable energy and we can unleash it with a focus on education to be combined with living together, and I see this as a much-neglected focus of public policy.”

HE Bokova went on to commend the UAE’s commitment and focus on quality education that reaches both boys and girls. “Education stands at the heart of the new global sustainable development agenda,” she said. “Our societies are becoming increasingly diverse, and we need new policies to match this reality, to strengthen social cohesion and inclusion, while making the most of the wealth of diversity, based on human dignity and human rights.”

She also called for a renewed commitment to a culture of tolerance and understanding that will empower young people to unleash their ingenuity.