Education

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the 2025 edition of the ‘KnowTalks’ series to enhance knowledge production, dissemination, and sustainability.

Building on the success of the Knowledge Summit, the region’s premier knowledge event organized annually by MBRF and UNDP, the ‘KnowTalks’ series serves as a global platform for distinguished thought leaders, decision-makers, and experts to discuss key developmental and knowledge-related issues and explore innovative solutions for future challenges.

Key Themes of ‘KnowTalks’ 2025

The series fosters discussions across diverse fields, bridging cultural divides and shaping the global knowledge landscape. The sessions will cover:

• The role of advanced technologies in driving community development

• Strategies for closing the knowledge gap across regions

• The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on healthcare, education, and the digital economy

• Knowledge as the foundation for an innovation-driven economy

• The influence of big data analysis on shaping development policies

• Skill development strategies to meet future labor market needs in an evolving technological landscape

Global Reach and Hybrid Format

The 2025 ‘KnowTalks’ edition will feature 35 local and international sessions in hybrid formats, combining in-person and virtual participation to enhance accessibility and foster global engagement. Sessions will be hosted at prominent knowledge events, including the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and the Frankfurt Book Fair. Additionally, special sessions will take place at leading universities and research centers worldwide, engaging academic communities, students, and innovators.

Leadership Perspectives on Knowledge Development

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, stated:

“The ‘KnowTalks’ series is a crucial platform for addressing the issues shaping the global knowledge ecosystem and exploring sustainable development solutions. By bringing together leading experts and thought leaders, we aim to tackle future challenges, foster innovative solutions aligned with global transformations, and enhance the role of knowledge in promoting social and economic well-being. This initiative embodies MBRF’s dedication to fostering knowledge and passing it on to future generations, contributing to the development of more advanced, prosperous, and future-ready communities.”

Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager of the Knowledge Project - UNDP, added:

“At UNDP, our goal is to accelerate the dissemination of knowledge and innovation as essential drivers of sustainable development. Through our collaboration with MBRF for the ‘KnowTalks’ series, we aim to bring together experts and thought leaders from around the world to explore innovative strategies for developmental and knowledge-related challenges while emphasizing the importance of innovation and cross-cultural collaboration.”

First Session: Harnessing Generational Diversity for Innovation

The first session of ‘KnowTalks’ 2025 recently took place under the theme “From Boomers to Gen Z: Driving Innovation Together.” Presented by Maysoun Ramadan, Global Head of Patients and Society Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer for APAC at Roche, the session explored how intergenerational diversity can drive innovation and collaboration across sectors, particularly in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

Key Discussion Points:

• The role of inclusion in strengthening communities

• Bridging generational perspectives in STEAM fields

• Leveraging diverse age groups to enhance creativity and workplace culture

• Insights from Ipsos’ 2023 report on generational diversity in the UAE

• Data from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) 2024 report, revealing UAE’s generational composition:

  • Generation Alpha (16.43%)

  • Generation Z (13.46%)

  • Baby Boomers (5.29%)

  • Silent Generation & Older Boomers (1.7%)

The session emphasized the significance of multi-generational teams in fostering creativity and innovation, while also highlighting the benefits of reverse mentoring as a tool to bridge generational gaps through mutual learning.

Future of ‘KnowTalks’ Series

The ‘KnowTalks’ series will continue to host intellectual sessions and seminars, bringing together experts to discuss key challenges, uncover untapped opportunities, and share global insights. Sessions will be held monthly, with recordings available on MBRF and UNDP’s digital platforms to ensure public access.

Additionally, the series will promote interactive engagement, allowing participants to engage with experts, ask questions, and contribute ideas to foster meaningful dialogue and assist in the development of comprehensive solutions for global knowledge challenges.

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