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 a strong emphasis on the necessity of transitioning to knowledge- and data-driven economies to ensure sustainable community development. The event, held under the theme 'Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities,' achieved significant participation with more than 35,000 attendees both in person and digitally through the Summit's official website https://www.mbrf.ae. His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, stated that this edition represents a significant milestone in the Summit's decade-long journey, solidifying its standing as a leading platform for constructive dialogue and global collaboration.
The summit featured more than 200 speakers across 58 sessions and activities, exploring the role of knowledge 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, praised the partnership between UNDP and MBRF as a global model for leveraging knowledge as a driving force for development. The discussions highlighted the significance of strengthening national capacities in innovation, research, and development to address global challenges.
Key recommendations from the summit included 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. Participants also called for broadening international cooperation among knowledge-focused institutions and greater data exchange between governments and academic bodies through platforms like https://www.undp.org. These outcomes underscore the summit's role in shaping actionable strategies for sustainable growth.
The Global Knowledge Index 2025 results were revealed during the event, with Switzerland ranking first globally, followed by Singapore and Sweden. The United Arab Emirates topped the Arab region rankings, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar following in second and third place respectively. The index serves as a credible benchmark for assessing countries' knowledge performance and guiding policy development aligned with future changes, reinforcing the importance of knowledge markets in sustainable community development. The summit's conclusions highlight a collective global push towards integrating knowledge as a core component of economic and social resilience, making it a pivotal event for policymakers and thought leaders worldwide.
