Page 25 - MBRF PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

9/30/25, 1:13 PM Arab knowledge stakeholders highlight the importance of monitoring indices in accelerating the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Devel…
Arab Knowledge Stakeholders Highlight The Importance Of Monitoring Indices In

Accelerating The 2030 Agenda For Sustainable Development

By Editor_wr On Sep 29, 2025

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A high-level event held on the sidelines of the 80 session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) emphasized the critical role of
knowledge tools and monitoring indices in accelerating the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and
the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the UN, the event brought together government representatives, knowledge leaders, and
strategic partners for a discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the Arab world in the context of economic transformation, technological
shifts, climate change, and a rapidly expanding youth population.

The event was inaugurated by Their Excellencies Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and
Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at UNDP; and Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN. In their
opening remarks, the speakers emphasized the need for innovative frameworks and next-generation indices to develop future-ready skills and advance
inclusive and sustainable development. They also urged greater collaboration at the regional and international levels to ensure no one is left behind.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb stated: “There is a pressing need to exchange knowledge and expertise across countries and institutions. This
will certainly empower the Arab region to address its growing challenges and seize the immense opportunities for innovation and growth presented by
today’s technological revolution.”

H.E. added: “Our work at MBRF, in close collaboration with our strategic partner, UNDP, shows that investing in precise knowledge indices and
standards, including the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) and future foresight reports, is key to helping governments and policy-makers craft impactful
strategies for knowledge-based economies. The success of the ‘Future Skills Academy’ initiative is a testament to this approach, having equipped
thousands of young Arabs with the essential skills through thousands of educational programs. The initiative not only fosters a culture of lifelong
learning but also enhances the readiness of upcoming generations for a fast-evolving job market. Our partnership with UNDP underscores our shared
commitment to transforming knowledge into a practical pillar of development, empowering our societies to achieve sustainable competitiveness
globally.”

Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari said: “With just five years remaining until the deadline of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Arab region
must urgently intensify its efforts to meet the goals. We hope this event will help align our collective efforts towards transforming data, skills, and
innovation into actionable solutions for building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient societies. We are proud to collaborate with our partners to ensure
that the perspectives and voices of youth, women, and local communities, who are often overlooked, play a central role in shaping a more inclusive and
equitable future, not only for the Arab region, but globally.”

Mohamed Abushahab commented: “The UAE’s experience shows that investing in people, skills, and knowledge is the key to lasting progress and
the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Strong global partnerships are essential to this effort, which is why we, like UNDP
and MBRF, work to help countries close knowledge gaps, empower youth, and design data-driven and innovative policies that turn today’s challenges
into opportunities for future generations.”

The event focused on three key themes: highlighting knowledge policy; capacity-building and future skills frameworks to accelerate the achievement
of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and data-based monitoring systems, developmental indicators, measurement tools, and reporting. It
also reviewed the outcomes of the first phase of the Future Skills Academy, which supported 10,000 Arab citizens in enhancing their skills through
over 15,000 educational programs, totaling more than 114,000 hours of learning. In addition, over 13,000 learners across the Arab region are currently
engaged in developing future-ready skills, preparing for an ever-changing job market increasingly shaped by competitive skills rather than academic
credentials.

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