AUC dean Sherif Kamel serves on World Bank Knowledge Advisory Commission

Sherif Kamel, dean of the School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC), has been recently named a member of the World Bank Knowledge Advisory Commission, serving for a two-year term. “With the proliferation of technology, people are bombarded with sources of knowledge coming from every direction,” said Kamel, who recently attended the commission’s first meeting in Washington D.C., “With this change in the knowledge landscape, the commission’s job is to serve as an effective platform in increasing access to knowledge and in enhancing the quality and impact of that knowledge.”

The World Bank produced its first-ever Knowledge Report in 2011, making available information and ideas on development solutions to citizens, civil society, policymakers, universities, researchers and governments. The new commission, is made up of 21 members from 18 countries, who work toward strengthening the bank’s role as a knowledge producer, customizer and connector. It will help the bank become the leading institution in knowledge transfer around the world by collaborating with other knowledge providers and networks, connecting client countries to policymakers and practitioners, supporting innovation, and employing both a top-down and bottom-up approach in knowledge production. “People from around the world will be invited to provide relevant reports and case studies,” said Kamel, “This would strengthen the bank’s role as a knowledge connector around the world by capitalizing on technology, examining case studies and customizing information to meet the needs of client countries.”

Kamel’s role in the commission focuses on innovations in impact measurement of knowledge services, as well as new opportunities for enhancing the connectivity of knowledge in a rapidly changing knowledge environment. This would provide input for the second Knowledge Report and can help the bank make the best use of technology to serve its strategic knowledge issues.

Convening twice a year, the commission brings together experts from industry and academia, as well as former World Bank employees. “This diversity will help reposition the knowledge path between the bank and its constituents in an effective way,” said Kamel, “The ultimate aim is for the bank to be the premier source of development knowledge so that financial assistance is provided according to the particular needs of client countries. By sharing knowledge globally, building partnerships and expertise, and capitalizing on technology, the commission is helping the bank fulfill its mission of reducing global poverty.”