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Individual Commitment - A key driver to close
a “growing knowledge gap" in the Arab world
A wise man once said: "ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country". Well, in this case it should be "region", but the key point still remains valid. While the second AHDR has stressed on the "growing knowledge gap" between the Arabs and the rest of the “globalized” world, the number of "bad excuses" seem to flourish as well. There is always someone or something to blame – governments, lack of incentives, lack of freedom, low investment in the region’s R&D, infrastructure, culture, etc. (and from foreigners frequently "Islam")
Even if the rules of the social game need to be modified to provide incentives for embracing change and affording real opportunities for social recognition, renewal and advancement, for those who work in areas of research & development – it is still up to your personal effort "to make it happen". Therefore NDRD strongly emphasizes on the promotion of social cohesion and tapping the potentials of all Arab academics as the essential element for recapturing "a functioning knowledge base". We want to make sure that the region does not "gravitate towards the lowest indicators in world standards” and into complete isolation. The knowledge gap can be reduced by rebuilding links with other scientists around the world, setting up channels of communication with them and their work as well as encouraging them to initiate joint research initiatives in the Arab region.
So make a personal commitment and participate by showing your knowledge to the global scientific community! Please “network” by using this platform as your gateway to the world! Just send us any information that is relevant: A brief “special feature” (around 250 words), maybe a link to your published work(s), or your institute, or your CV or any other link that in your view is applicable and interesting. Send your input to scientific@ndrd.org
Questions, Comments, Want to participate and did not find your drylands related topic here? Only have something in Arabic - No problem! Please contact us ....
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"Man must cease attributing his problems to his environment,
and learn again to exercise his will, his personal responsibility"
Dr. Albert Schweitzer
(Nobel Peace Prize in 1952)
"The Arab states should also encourage greater interaction with other nations, cultures, and regions of the world… . Openness, interaction, assimilation, absorption, revision, criticism and examination cannot but prompt creative knowledge production in Arab societies”
AHDR
In the GCC countries, it is certainly not your "rulers" fault, if you are not ready to produce something that can be published or to invest in your own academic advancement by e.g. paying yourself for attending a conference. Also your government is not responsible for your "lack of teamwork" – they obviously seem to know how to network quite efficiently! :-) Imported knowledge is not sustainable, just as “denial” is not productive - only local initiative is the key!
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