Amman: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has inaugurated a new series of discussion sessions in Jordan under its ‘KnowTalks’ initiative. This series covers a range of topics, including strategy development, corporate social responsibility (CSR), cybersecurity, and the role of artificial intelligence in society.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening session titled ‘The Human Firewall: Fighting Cybercrime with Awareness,’ examined the pivotal role of technology in empowering People of Determination. It provided an extensive overview of cybersecurity’s practical aspects, focusing on technology-related risks, relevant laws and regulations, and the application of cybersecurity measures across sectors like smart cities, digital governance, e-learning, digital media, the Internet of Things (IoT), healthcare, and industry.
The session highlighted the groups most frequently targeted by cybercriminals and featured a presentation on common hacking techniques, including social engineering, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, software vulnerabilities, and human error.
The second session, ‘CSR for Sustainable Communities,’ spotlighted CSR initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable community development, particularly in the Al-Jizah region. This area, home to over 28 villages and approximately 118,000 residents, faces an unemployment rate of 19 percent. The discussion included advanced training programs that have equipped individuals with essential practical skills, facilitating their entry into the labor market.
The session revealed impressive outcomes from the training programs, noting that over 600 participants have graduated, including 112 women across seven courses in 2024. Female participation increased from 43 percent in 2024 to 68 percent in 2025. Among the graduates, 64 percent secured employment, while 25 percent launched small businesses, generating incomes between 500 and 1,000 Jordanian dinars. These CSR initiatives have demonstrated a significant impact across 12 villages in the Al-Jizah region, contributing to community development and creating tangible success stories.
The third session, ‘Staying Human in the Age of Intelligent Everything,’ engaged with existential questions concerning human nature amidst AI’s rise, exploring how humans evolve alongside artificial intelligence.
The fourth session, ‘The Business Called Me,’ explored the true essence of strategy within the corporate realm. The session used examples of companies like Apple that have thrived through clear, well-defined strategies, contrasting with Nokia and Kodak, which struggled due to outdated or weak strategic approaches.
‘KnowTalks’ is a series of intellectual seminars that bring together leading experts to tackle challenges related to knowledge and development.
