Knowledge Summit 2025 Draws 35,000 Participants, Charts Path for Sustainable Knowledge Economies

The 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), achieved remarkable success with more than 35,000 attendees participating both in person and digitally through the Summit's official website https://www.mbrf.ae. Held under the theme 'Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities,' the event solidified Dubai's position as a premier global knowledge and innovation hub while bringing together prominent knowledge leaders, thought pioneers, and academic experts from around the world.

The Summit featured an extensive program with more than 200 speakers contributing insights across 58 sessions and activities, exploring the significant role of knowledge in advancing sustainable development and shaping a bright future for the world. Discussions focused on strategies to empower communities through advanced technologies and digital tools, further cementing the UAE's position as a center attracting creative minds and exceptional talent. His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized that this edition represents a significant milestone in the Summit's decade-long journey, solidifying its standing as a leading platform for constructive dialogue, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration.

H.E. bin Huwaireb stated that this edition reflects the vision of leadership to position knowledge as a cornerstone of future-building, creating exceptional space for in-depth dialogues on emerging trends in knowledge markets and the role of data, innovation, and modern technologies in supporting sustainable development. The partnership between UNDP and MBRF has become a global model for leveraging knowledge as a driving force for development, according to H.E. Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, who praised the Summit's distinguished level and highlighted the significance of transitioning to a knowledge- and data-driven economy.

The Summit concluded with key recommendations that carry substantial implications for global economic development and sustainability efforts. These include increased investment in scientific research and innovation, adoption of agile policies to support the knowledge economy, and enhanced efforts to equip youth with future-ready skills. The recommendations also called for broadening international cooperation among knowledge-focused institutions and greater data and knowledge exchange between governments and academic bodies through platforms like https://www.undp.org, ensuring long-term, sustainable development impact across nations.

A significant outcome of the Summit was the unveiling of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) 2025 results, which serves as a credible benchmark for assessing countries' knowledge performance and guiding policy development. Switzerland ranked first globally, followed by Singapore and Sweden in second and third place respectively. The United Arab Emirates topped the rankings in the Arab region, followed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in second and Qatar in third place. The GKI drew significant attention from participating institutions and experts, providing valuable insights for nations seeking to align their development strategies with future knowledge economy requirements.

The substantial turnout and diverse participation underscore the growing global recognition of knowledge as a critical driver for sustainable development. The Summit's focus on strengthening national capacities in innovation, research, and development addresses fundamental requirements for tackling global challenges, improving quality of life, and ensuring sustainable, resilient communities. These developments signal a broader shift toward knowledge-based economic models that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains, with implications for policy makers, educational institutions, and business leaders worldwide.