Global Leaders Convene at 10th Knowledge Summit to Advance Sustainable Knowledge Economy

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) inaugurated the 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit, the world's leading platform dedicated to producing and applying knowledge in sustainable development. Organized in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this year's summit focuses on the theme 'Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities' and brings together ministers, dignitaries, and senior officials from around the world to emphasize collaboration and expertise exchange among global decision-makers.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, highlighted during the launch ceremony that over the past decade, the Knowledge Summit has established a strong global standing as an annual gathering for creative minds and decision-makers. He emphasized that the summit has reinforced knowledge's role as a catalyst for human development, ensuring prosperous futures for nations and generations. The event's significance extends beyond regional boundaries, aligning with global sustainable development goals through platforms like https://www.undp.org.

Her Excellency Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), participated in the opening remarks, stating that MBRF's commitment to advancing the knowledge movement across the Arab World and beyond aligns closely with UAE efforts to build a knowledge-based economy. She emphasized that knowledge serves as a driving force for human advancement, requiring innovation, courage, and belief in ideas that shape better futures rather than mere good intentions.

Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, provided crucial insights about knowledge's evolving role in global development. He noted that knowledge is no longer confined to academic institutions or research facilities but has become a strategic asset defining countries' positions in the new global order and opening unprecedented avenues for sustainable development through initiatives like the Global Knowledge Index available at https://www.mbrf.ae.

The opening ceremony featured the announcement of the ninth edition Global Knowledge Index 2025 results, with Switzerland ranking first globally, followed by Singapore in second place and Sweden in third. The UAE led Arab countries in the rankings, with Saudi Arabia ranking second among Arab nations and Qatar taking third position. These rankings provide critical benchmarks for nations striving to improve their knowledge economies and sustainable development indicators.

The first day of the Knowledge Summit featured extensive panel discussions, interactive dialogues, and workshops led by prominent specialists, experts, academics, and decision-makers from around the world. These sessions explored crucial themes including knowledge markets, knowledge economy dynamics, innovation strategies, sustainability frameworks, community development models, technology integration, educational advancement, environmental considerations, and knowledge governance structures that collectively shape global development trajectories.