Since 2022, the Youth Knowledge Forum has been a dynamic platform for dialogue between youth, experts, policymakers, and thought leaders across the Arab States region. Organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), the forum strengthens the role of young people as drivers of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development.

Egypt 2025: Driving Youth-Led Innovation

Held on 20–21 July 2025 at the Cairo University Theatre, the fourth edition, under the theme ‘Knowledge Economy and Human Development,’ brought together innovators and decision-makers from Egypt, the UAE, Oman, and Morocco. Hosted in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the forum focused on entrepreneurship, investment, and youth empowerment.

Participants explored the challenges of launching and scaling businesses, innovative investment strategies, and non-financial support for entrepreneurs. The event celebrated the transformative power of youth-led initiatives in advancing knowledge-driven economies.

Morocco 2025: Knowledge is the Future

On 20–21 February 2025, the forum was co-hosted with ICESCO in Rabat under the theme ‘Knowledge is the Future.’ The event achieved over 2 million live views, bringing together youth role models and innovators from across the Islamic world.

Sessions explored AI, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, showcasing how empowered youth are shaping a smarter, more inclusive future. The forum enabled youth to share ideas and gain mentorship, highlighting their role in driving regional digital transformation and inclusive knowledge economies.

Egypt 2024: Empowering Youth for the Knowledge Economy

The second edition, held under the theme ‘Knowledge Economy and Human Development,’ took place on 2–3 September 2024 in Cairo. Organized in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, the event attracted over 200,000 online viewers and highlighted youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital skills, and innovation.

The forum featured inspiring success stories and concluded with a dialogue on preparing Arab youth for the global labour market through initiatives such as the Future Skills Academy.

UAE 2022: Knowledge as a Driving Force for Development

The inaugural edition took place in the UAE in the presence of senior officials and youth from the United Arab Emirates and the wider Arab States region, held in person on 6–7 December and virtually on 8–9 December 2022. The event marked the announcement of the Global Knowledge Index 2022 results.

The forum highlighted the importance of recognizing global knowledge achievements and fostering youth creativity and innovation. It celebrated young knowledge creators, showcased inspiring success stories, and included a ceremony honoring the winners of the annual Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Award for outstanding contributions to knowledge advancement and its dissemination.