New york: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, have announced the details of the 10th edition of the Knowledge Summit. The event, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, revealed that the Summit will take place on 19-20 November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, this year’s edition marks the tenth anniversary of the Summit and will explore ‘Knowledge Markets’ as a key driver of economic and social growth. The event will present international best practices in sustainable development and highlight the significance of partnerships and investment in creating integrated knowledge ecosystems.
The Knowledge Summit 2025 will aim to foster global dialogue to establish effective knowledge markets that support a resilient knowledge economy. Discussions will focus on modern technologies such as AI, blockchain, and big data to develop practical solutions to global challenges. Key topics will include legislation, social transformations, intellectual property, patents, education, research, and innovation.
Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized that the Knowledge Summit 2025 is a strategic milestone that celebrates a decade of impactful achievements, positioning knowledge as a tool for empowerment and future prosperity. He highlighted the Summit’s global significance and its role in fostering innovative solutions to shared challenges, promoting sustainable development, and establishing knowledge as a fundamental human right.
Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States, noted that the Summit reiterates the importance of knowledge in building just, inclusive, and sustainable economies and societies. He stressed that knowledge markets are essential for empowering people and bridging global divides.
The Summit will feature over 45 dialogue sessions with approximately 130 speakers, including senior government officials, international experts, and leaders in business, academia, and development. Interactive side events such as the Authors’ Corner, the Knowledge Markets Exhibition, and the Knowledge Caf©, as well as a Policy Roundtable, will also be part of the program.
Additionally, the 2025 edition of the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) will be launched during the Summit. The GKI provides insights into trends and opportunities in knowledge economies and societies worldwide, aiding evidence-based policymaking.
Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Knowledge Project Lead at UNDP, highlighted that the GKI is a pioneering knowledge instrument that has undergone extensive review to align with rapid global changes. The latest edition will be unveiled at the Summit, offering insights to empower nations in designing forward-looking policies.
The Summit’s organization comes at a crucial time as the world experiences significant economic, technological, and social transformations. It underscores the importance of a global platform for dialogue, experience exchange, and building cross-border partnerships to shape a shared vision for the future of knowledge.