MBRF and UNDP to Host Third Youth Knowledge Forum in Morocco

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will jointly organize the third edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF) in Morocco from 20 to 21 February 2025. The event, held in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), will be hosted under the theme “Knowledge is the Future.”

The forum aims to empower youth worldwide by fostering creativity and innovation in knowledge sharing, dissemination, and localization. It will provide a dynamic platform for young participants to engage with experts, enhance their understanding, and collaborate with peers from across the globe.

Fostering Knowledge and Innovation

The YKF will address critical issues, including leveraging knowledge and skills for economic recovery, fostering strategic partnerships, and creating an integrated knowledge ecosystem. It will also examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation on education, employment, and innovation, highlighting both challenges and opportunities in these fields.

Discussions at the forum will cover key topics such as bridging educational gaps, equipping young people with future-ready skills, strengthening regional and international cooperation, and empowering youth leaders. Additionally, it will explore ways to harness knowledge for developing innovative solutions that drive social cohesion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

Commitment to Youth Empowerment

H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized the YKF’s mission of empowering young individuals and strengthening their role in shaping the future of the global knowledge landscape. He noted that the forum’s third edition would further cultivate youth creativity, fostering knowledge exchange and driving innovation to support the rise of a knowledge-based society.

He stated: "The active participation of youth from the Arab World brings strategic depth to the event, as their diverse experiences highlight the role of knowledge in addressing key challenges and driving positive transformation. At MBRF, we remain committed to strengthening regional and international partnerships while empowering young leaders and building a forward-thinking knowledge ecosystem to promote sustainable development across all sectors."

ICESCO’s Role in Youth Development

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, highlighted that hosting the global forum at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat marks the culmination of its “Year of Youth” initiative. This initiative, launched under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, supports Arab youth in the fields of technology, creativity, and innovation while promoting values of peace, coexistence, and intercultural dialogue.

He reaffirmed ICESCO’s commitment to empowering young people, recognizing their crucial role as key drivers of global progress and sustainable development. Through its initiatives and specialized programs, ICESCO aims to enhance youth competencies in knowledge and technology, enabling them to stay ahead in an increasingly complex global environment.

Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Development

Dr. Hani Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager of the Knowledge Project at UNDP, highlighted the significance of youth empowerment in fostering innovation and sustainable development.

He stated: “The YKF reflects our strong belief in the role of youth in shaping the future. By providing them with opportunities to engage directly with policymakers and experts, the forum will facilitate seamless knowledge exchange and foster an environment of creativity and collaboration.”

He further added: “By exploring the evolving knowledge landscape in the AI era and its role in youth empowerment, the YKF will help develop sustainable solutions to emerging challenges. At the Knowledge Project, we remain dedicated to equipping young people with the necessary resources and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful impact within their communities.”

Engaging Discussions and Future-Oriented Dialogue

The two-day event will feature dynamic panel discussions with experts, policymakers, and young leaders, focusing on the role of technology and innovation in shaping modern societies. The forum will facilitate open dialogue and present strategies for building a more inclusive, interconnected, and resilient knowledge-driven society.

By offering young participants access to vital resources and professional networks, the YKF aims to transform innovative ideas into impactful solutions. The event positions knowledge as a key driver of sustainable development, emphasizing its role in tackling global challenges through knowledge creation, sharing, and application.