Page 43 - MBRF PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

9/29/25, 10:09 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
Verified Membership
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
todayʼs 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
Academyʼ 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".

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