Page 28 - MBRF PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

9/29/25, 10:06 AM Arab knowledge stakeholders highlight the importance of monitoring indices in accelerating the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Deve…
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

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