Education

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is set to host the fourth edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF) under the theme “Knowledge Economy and Human Development.” The event will take place in Cairo from 20 to 21 July 2025, in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS).

This edition of the YKF builds on strategic efforts to foster youth innovation, expand knowledge-sharing, and promote sustainable development. It aims to empower young people to become key contributors to a thriving knowledge economy and to equip them with essential tools to meet future challenges.

A Platform for Dialogue and Innovation
YKF is a prominent intellectual forum that connects youth with policymakers, thought leaders, and experts across multiple sectors. It is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas and generate innovative solutions to socio-economic challenges. Key goals include promoting entrepreneurship, future-readiness, and enhancing regional and international collaboration in youth-focused development.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized the significance of hosting the forum. “Egypt’s role in hosting this prestigious forum reflects our unwavering commitment to youth empowerment. Under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, young people are viewed as foundational to building the New Republic,” he said. He also praised the strong cooperation between MBRF and UNDP, highlighting its role in promoting innovation, digital economy skills, and regional youth development.

Driving the Knowledge Economy
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, reiterated the foundation’s dedication to youth as agents of change. “YKF serves as a platform to inspire youth to lead future development efforts through knowledge creation and localization,” he said. “Our collaboration with MOYS reflects a shared vision to transition towards a knowledge-driven Arab economy and society.”

Ghimar Deeb, Acting Resident Representative of UNDP Egypt, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment. “Empowering youth through skills in digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and the green economy is essential to sustainable development,” he stated. “Our partnership with MBRF through the Knowledge Project continues to deliver impactful initiatives for youth capacity building in Egypt and the region.”

An Agenda Shaped by Youth Priorities
The forum’s agenda will feature interactive panel discussions and dialogues addressing contemporary issues including:

• Public policy in the age of knowledge economies

• The impact of AI on jobs and ethical use of technology

• Startups and entrepreneurship success stories in Egypt and the Arab region

• Lifelong learning, education reform, and digital skills development

• The role of arts and culture in sustainable development

• Combating misinformation and the role of digital media for Generation Alpha

The event will conclude with an open youth dialogue, giving young participants a platform to voice their challenges, ideas, and aspirations. This inclusive approach reflects the forum’s objective to cultivate a knowledge-based Arab society rooted in openness, innovation, and collaboration.

By uniting government entities, global institutions, and young changemakers, the Youth Knowledge Forum is poised to create a lasting impact on youth empowerment and sustainable knowledge-driven progress across the Arab world.

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