His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, confirmed that the 2nd Knowledge Forum this year focuses on the development of knowledge. Knowledge Development forms the basis of society and develops national treasures to achieve progress in all fields. In other words, Knowledge Development is concerned with the development of human capabilities to live and work in today’s society. This came during the inauguration of His Excellency to the 2nd Knowledge Forum organized by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development at the Intercontinental Festival City Hotel in Dubai. The Forum this year was attended by Her Excellency Afra Al Sabry and more than 120 writers, publishers and cultural officials from the UAE. It discussed issues related to knowledge production in the UAE through 6 discussion groups dedicated to discussing all the aspects of the knowledge production industry in the country, thus supporting young authors at various stages. The discussion groups included : cultural institutions, UAE writers, publishing houses, young creators, children's story writers and theatrical writers. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan started his speech by thanking all guests for their efforts during the forum organized by the Ministry to discuss culture and knowledge development in the UAE and also to achieve positive interaction and fruitful cooperation between people concerned with culture and knowledge in the UAE society. Aspiring for the UAE to be an international hub for cultural, knowledge and civilizational achievement. Sheikh Nahyan added, "We in the United Arab Emirates are proud of the wise vision of our leaders and their great interest in the status of culture and knowledge affecting the present and future of the our country. In this occasion I would like to direct great thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, his brotherHis Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Rulers of the Emirates for their efforts to achieve successful cultural and knowledge development across the UAE. " He stressed that the main aim of the Ministry is to turn knowledge development into a comprehensive approach to support national identity, preserve customs, traditions and heritage and encourage innovation, intelligent thinking and openness. His Excellency added that the Forum focuses on one of the important initiatives launched by the Ministry which is the program “Preparing Young Authors”. The program represents a qualitative leap in the development of the UAE cultural scene through a comprehensive group of services provided by the Ministry to support the UAE Youth . Through the program “Preparing Young Authors”, the Ministry seeks to attract various young age groups including school and university students to participate in the program. The program will mainly utilize partnerships with universities and schools to reach and discover talents according to well thought and long term plans. Courses, training programs and workshops teaching the basics and techniques of writing will then be conducted to guide and mentor participants and to also hone their talents and develop their skills of by a group of well-known authors. The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, through the program, will also familiarize participants with the methods of publishing, distribution, promotion and marketing. In addition to receiving views of critics, learning about best practices in the field of writing and getting the opportunity to communicate with big writers which would help them develop their works.