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The Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF) officially kicked off its fourth edition at the Cairo University Theatre, under the patronage of Egypt’s Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly. This year’s edition, themed "Knowledge Economy and Human Development," saw the participation of high-ranking officials, global experts, and industry leaders from across the region and beyond.

The forum is organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) through its Youth Knowledge Office.

High-Level Participation and Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was graced by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, along with several ministers including Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population; Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Minister of Culture; and Counselor Mahmoud Fawzy, Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs.

Notable figures such as H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, President of Cairo University; and Eng. Hany Torky, Project Manager of the Knowledge Project at UNDP, were also in attendance. Attendees were treated to vibrant artistic performances by the ‘Percussion’ troupe, adding cultural flair to the forum’s intellectual agenda.

Investing in Human Capital and the Knowledge Economy

In his remarks, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy highlighted Egypt’s commitment to investing in human capital, calling the knowledge economy “the backbone of the nation’s ongoing development.” He emphasized that the forum acts as a platform for youth empowerment and inclusive policymaking, aligning with national priorities and global digital transformation trends.

H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb welcomed the return of the forum to Cairo, reiterating MBRF’s unwavering commitment to empowering Arab youth as a pillar of its strategic vision.

Speaking on behalf of the UNDP, Eng. Hany Torky addressed the widening skills gap as one of the most urgent challenges in the age of AI and digital transformation, highlighting the importance of equipping youth with the capabilities to thrive in knowledge-based economies.

Insightful Sessions and Collaborative Dialogue

The forum featured a series of high-impact sessions on Day 1:

• Opening Panel: "Knowledge Economy and Human Development"
  Moderated by Mr. Mostafa Magdy, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports for Strategic Affairs, the session focused on the intersection of knowledge economy policies and national human development goals.

• Second Session: "Formulating Development Policies in the Era of the Knowledge Economy"
  Led by Mr. Fathi Emad, Director of the Egyptian Knowledge Youth Office, this panel explored the evolution of public policy frameworks in response to shifts in innovation and global trends.

These sessions featured contributions from ministers, university leaders, and thought leaders, with discussions centering on how to strengthen Egypt’s knowledge economy by investing in youth potential and fostering multi-sectoral cooperation.

Broader Agenda and Participation

In addition to the keynote panels, the forum hosted six specialized panel discussions covering topics such as:

• Strategies to advance Egypt’s knowledge economy

• Role of international organizations in building knowledge-friendly environments

• Transforming education for the digital age

• Artificial Intelligence as a key driver of development

• The threat of misinformation to society and the economy

These sessions drew participation from leading professionals from global organizations including Microsoft, Uber, and Blocks 17, as well as prominent academics and policy experts.

A Platform for Regional Innovation and Youth Dialogue

The Youth Knowledge Forum continues to grow as a major platform for youth-led dialogue, innovation, and policy development, providing an essential space for regional collaboration. As Egypt pushes forward with its knowledge economy and human development goals, the forum underlines the central role of youth in shaping the future of the Arab world.

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