The 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme concluded with significant global participation exceeding 35,000 attendees both in person and digitally through the Summit's official website https://www.mbrf.ae. Held in Dubai under the theme 'Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities,' the gathering assembled prominent knowledge leaders, thought pioneers, and academic experts to examine forces shaping a knowledge-driven future.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, characterized this edition as a significant milestone in the Summit's decade-long journey, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for constructive dialogue and global collaboration. The summit featured more than 200 speakers across 58 sessions and activities, focusing on knowledge's role in advancing sustainable development and empowering communities through advanced technologies.
H.E. Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, commended the partnership between UNDP and MBRF as a global model for leveraging knowledge as a development catalyst. Discussions emphasized the critical transition to knowledge- and data-driven economies and strengthening national capacities in innovation, research, and development to address global challenges and ensure sustainable communities.
The summit concluded with key recommendations including increased investment in scientific research and innovation, adoption of agile policies supporting the knowledge economy, and enhanced efforts to equip youth with future-ready skills. Participants advocated for expanded international cooperation among knowledge-focused institutions and greater data exchange between governments and academic bodies through platforms like https://www.undp.org.
The Global Knowledge Index 2025 results revealed Switzerland ranking first globally, followed by Singapore and Sweden. The United Arab Emirates led the Arab region rankings, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar placing second and third respectively. The index serves as a credible benchmark for assessing countries' knowledge performance and guiding policy development aligned with future changes, reinforcing knowledge markets' importance in sustainable community development.
