Global Leaders Convene at 10th Knowledge Summit to Build Sustainable Knowledge Economies

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), inaugurated the 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This global platform, dedicated to producing and applying knowledge for sustainable development, runs under the theme 'Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities' and brings together ministers, dignitaries, and senior officials from around the world to foster collaboration and expertise exchange.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized the Summit's decade-long impact during the opening ceremony, noting its establishment as a premier annual gathering for creative minds and decision-makers. He highlighted how the event has reinforced knowledge as a catalyst for human development, ensuring prosperous futures for nations and generations. The partnership with UNDP underscores the international commitment to knowledge-driven progress, as detailed on the UNDP official website.

Her Excellency Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), praised MBRF's dedication to advancing the knowledge movement across the Arab World and beyond, aligning with UAE efforts to build a knowledge-based economy. She stated that transforming visions into reality requires innovation, courage, and belief in ideas that shape a better future, emphasizing knowledge as a driving force for human advancement. This perspective highlights the Summit's role in bridging global expertise to address sustainability challenges.

His Excellency Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, added that knowledge has evolved beyond academic confines to become a strategic asset defining a country's position in the global order and opening new avenues for sustainable development. This shift underscores the importance of events like the Knowledge Summit in fostering international cooperation and economic resilience.

The opening ceremony featured the release of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2025 results, with Switzerland ranking first globally, followed by Singapore and Sweden. The UAE led Arab nations, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar securing second and third places, respectively. These rankings, available through resources like the MBRF portal, provide critical insights into national competitiveness and inform policy-making aimed at enhancing education, innovation, and technological adoption.

The Summit's first day included panel discussions, interactive dialogues, and workshops led by global specialists, exploring themes such as knowledge markets, innovation, sustainability, community development, technology, education, and knowledge governance. These sessions facilitate the exchange of best practices and strategies, empowering participants to drive economic and social progress in their regions. By convening diverse stakeholders, the Knowledge Summit amplifies the impact of knowledge-sharing initiatives, contributing to global efforts in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and fostering inclusive growth in an increasingly interconnected world.