Youth Knowledge Forum Kicks Off with Thought Leaders and Government Officials in Cairo
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have jointly launched the second edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF) in Cairo, Egypt. Held on September 2-3, the event, organized in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports, was inaugurated under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports. The forum aims to address pressing issues related to education, technology, mental health, and other challenges facing today’s youth.
The forum brought together a diverse group of government officials, thought leaders, and specialists, including H.E. Dr. Sobhy; H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; and Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt. The event also attracted a significant number of young participants from across Egypt and the Arab world.
H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb highlighted the MBRF's commitment to fostering intellectual and knowledge growth among Arab youth. “The Youth Knowledge Forum serves as a strategic platform to empower Egyptian youth by providing them with valuable insights and practical tools to overcome challenges in their lives,” he said.
H.E. Dr. Sobhy emphasized the forum's role in providing essential knowledge and insights to Egyptian society, particularly the youth. He noted that the event's focus on science, intellect, and development would help young people navigate their personal and professional futures.
Alessandro Fracassetti of UNDP underscored the importance of empowering young Egyptians, stating, “Today's Youth Knowledge Forum is a crucial step in equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.”
The forum's inaugural session featured a high-level discussion on “The Role of Governments and their Policies in Addressing Challenges to Youth,” moderated by Rania Hashem. Key government figures, including H.E. Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and H.E. Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, participated in the session.
Subsequent sessions addressed critical topics such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, the impact of technology on future jobs, and the mental health of Arab youth in the context of technological advancements. Prominent speakers included Dr. Tarek Shawki, former Minister of Education of Egypt; Abdel-Moneim Imam, Member of Parliament; and Ambassador Nabila Makram, Chairman of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Developmental Work.
The first day of the forum concluded with a session on “Enhancing the Role of Youth in Decision-Making Centers,” where speakers discussed the importance of increasing youth participation in politics and decision-making processes, as well as the need for leadership education.
The second edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum continues to offer a platform for insightful discussions and interactions, enabling young leaders to express their ambitions and engage in meaningful dialogues.
