Youth Knowledge Forum 2026 Opens in Morocco Under ‘From Crisis to Sustainability’ Theme

The fifth edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF) has opened in Rabat under the theme “From Crisis to Sustainability,” bringing together young people, experts, decision-makers and specialists to explore how knowledge, innovation and youth-led action can help address global challenges.

The two-day forum, being held in Morocco for the second time, is jointly organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).

Youth at the Centre of Crisis Response

The YKF aims to strengthen youth participation in knowledge transfer, innovation and localisation by creating opportunities for young participants to engage directly with international experts, specialists and decision-makers.

The forum's theme focuses on the relationship between crises and sustainable development, examining how knowledge-based solutions and stronger partnerships can help societies respond to disruption while creating pathways towards long-term resilience.

Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said the forum reflects the foundation's focus on knowledge, human empowerment and capacity building as important pillars for future development.

He highlighted the need for new ideas, partnerships and innovative solutions to address continuing global challenges, while stressing the importance of connecting youth initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and changing employment and skills requirements.

Global Challenges and Future Skills in Focus

The opening ceremony brought together senior officials, including Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO; Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan; Naima Ben Yahia, Morocco's Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family; Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor and Project Manager of the Knowledge Project at UNDP; and Ilaria Carnevali, UNDP Resident Representative in Morocco.

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik pointed to the growing gap between people with future-ready skills and those without them. He also cited 117.8 million forcibly displaced people at the end of 2025, alongside the continuing challenge of young people being outside employment, education or training.

He said the forum provides young participants with tools to better understand crises, develop effective responses, build partnerships and turn ideas into practical initiatives.

Digital Twinning Connects Youth Across Countries

One of the key features of this year's forum is a digital-twinning experience connecting the main event in Rabat with young participants in the UAE, Egypt, Azerbaijan and Tatarstan.

The model allows participants in different locations to engage with sessions and workshops in real time, extending the forum beyond its physical venue. ICESCO described the initiative as a new dimension for international youth engagement.

The digital format also supports wider knowledge exchange and gives participants from different countries an opportunity to share experiences on crisis response, sustainability and youth development.

Three Key Discussions Open the Forum

The first day featured three main panel discussions covering crisis response, sustainable development and employment.

“When Crises Meet Sustainability” examined the interconnected global crises affecting societies in 2026, sustainability as a framework for crisis response and the role of young people in addressing these challenges.

The session “From Crisis to Sustainability: Youth Advancing the SDGs” focused on youth-led contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals and the practical application of crisis-response and recovery approaches, from local initiatives to national institutions.

A third session, “Your Career in a Changing World,” explored how crises are affecting jobs and skills, the gap between education and employment, and ways to create more inclusive pathways for young people entering the workforce.

Linking Education With the Changing Labour Market

The forum also places significant emphasis on preparing young people for changing employment conditions.

Discussions are examining how education systems can respond to evolving labour-market requirements and how young people can develop skills aligned with emerging opportunities.

The focus reflects a wider effort to bridge the gap between education and employment while helping young people make informed decisions about careers, entrepreneurship and future-oriented projects.

From Crisis to Sustainable Action

The fifth edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum builds on YKF's role as a platform connecting youth, experts and decision-makers around knowledge and development challenges.

By combining discussions on crisis response, sustainability, the SDGs and future skills with practical knowledge exchange and digital participation, the forum seeks to move beyond identifying challenges towards developing actionable solutions.

The organisers said the initiative aims to strengthen youth capacity to address contemporary challenges and contribute to building more resilient and prosperous societies.