The Knowledge Summit 2025, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, featured a high-level ministerial roundtable that examined knowledge pathways for sustainable communities. This gathering of ministers, policymakers, and global experts underscored the critical role of knowledge, data, and community-driven approaches in fostering sustainable and resilient societies. Speakers unanimously stressed the urgent imperative to embed sustainability and digital literacy within education systems and workforce development programs globally.
H.E. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education in Sierra Leone, articulated the necessity of integrating sustainability, digital literacy, and green practices into educational curricula. This foundational shift aims to empower students to contribute actively to global climate action. Echoing this sentiment, H.E. Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology in Gambia, advocated for reengineering higher education systems to be digitally forward while embedding sustainability principles. He highlighted the value of leveraging open educational resources accessible through platforms like https://www.undp.org to support these educational transformations.
The discussion further emphasized leveraging research and data to drive inclusive and evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Motaz Khorshid, former Minister of Higher Education in Egypt, identified lifelong learning and national strategies fostering innovation, personality development, and community engagement as essential for building knowledge-based economies. Participants consistently highlighted the importance of aligning government, academia, and the private sector to ensure knowledge is effectively translated into measurable and sustainable impact, a coordination challenge central to successful implementation.
Community-driven approaches emerged as a pivotal theme throughout the session. H.E. Hibo Moumin Assoweh, Minister of Youth and Culture in Djibouti, emphasized combining traditional and modern knowledge to foster entrepreneurship and empower youth. Tom Erdimi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Chad, discussed designing institutions that reflect local culture and traditions while incorporating global knowledge resources available through organizations like https://www.mbrf.ae. This focus on localization ensures development strategies are culturally relevant and more likely to achieve lasting community buy-in.
Environmental considerations were prominently addressed, with Sami Dimassi, West Asia Regional Director for UNEP, and Dr. Houda Babah Sid M'hamed noting that successful environmental transitions require robust government systems, behavioral change, and inclusive education for rural and vulnerable populations. Dr. Magued Osman and Dr. Yassen Alfoteih reinforced the importance of citizen participation and equipping students through comprehensive education frameworks to understand and address complex societal challenges. The session concluded that advancing sustainable societies demands a holistic approach integrating knowledge, digital skills, environmental awareness, and active community engagement to ensure inclusivity in global development. This represents a significant strategic shift, moving beyond traditional methods to incorporate digital transformation and community-centered solutions as core components of sustainable development.
