In a pioneering digital initiative, the regional office of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in Sharjah brought together over 150 young Emiratis for the Knowledge Youth Forum 2026. This unique digital twinning experience connected participants in Sharjah with the main forum taking place in Rabat, Morocco, facilitating simultaneous engagement among youth, experts, and specialists across five cities: Rabat, Sharjah, Cairo, Baku, and Kazan. Such an initiative provided UAE youth with an exceptional opportunity for international knowledge exchange, transcending geographical limitations and broadening their horizons for interaction and discussion on future-related issues.
A New Model for International Participation
The digital twinning experience was one of the most significant highlights of the Knowledge Youth Forum 2026, showcasing a new model for participation in international knowledge events. The vibrant atmosphere of the forum was effectively transmitted from Rabat to Sharjah, integrating participants from the UAE into a shared knowledge space with speakers and attendees from various countries. This innovative approach demonstrated the power of digital technologies to broaden participation and create new avenues for communication, interaction, and knowledge sharing.
Active Engagement of Emirati Youth
The digital twinning model not only enabled the live streaming of the forum’s sessions over its two-day duration but also ensured that Emirati youth actively participated within the experience itself. Attendees were given opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussions, and interact with topics and speakers from around the world. This set a new precedent for digital presence, transforming the audience’s experience into meaningful participation that surpassed traditional boundaries of engagement.
Strengthening Knowledge Sharing
With its unique essence, the digital twinning experience exemplified modern knowledge sharing, linking real-time physical presence in Sharjah with digital communication at the main forum in Rabat. Participants in both cities could engage in ongoing discussions, reflecting a broader framework that encompassed five vibrant cities. This approach presented a practical illustration of how digital tools can bridge knowledge gaps among youth and provide platforms for interacting with shared concerns while benefitting from diverse experiences in a highly communicative and open environment.
Emphasising ISESCO’s Mission
This initiative aligns seamlessly with ISESCO’s mission to promote knowledge, innovation, and capacity building among younger generations, enhancing their participation in development and shaping the future. It reinforces the importance of modern knowledge platforms that facilitate interaction and cooperation among youth and experts globally, leveraging digital capabilities to create new pathways for dialogue and understanding.
Building a Diverse Participation
The regional office of ISESCO in Sharjah engaged in intensive outreach prior to the forum, connecting with universities to inform students about the opportunity to participate in this international knowledge exchange. Consequently, a diverse turnout of students and professionals interested in knowledge and developmental fields was achieved, reflecting a clear commitment from UAE youth to participate in globally relevant activities and gain insights from such gatherings. This underscores the potential of digital interactions, coupled with meaningful content and direct discussions, to create genuine shared experiences for learning and idea generation.
Demonstrating Awareness and Aspirations
Participating Emirati youth exhibited a remarkable level of awareness, ambition, and openness to knowledge. They demonstrated a clear ability to articulate their ideas and engage in discussions geared toward developing valuable insights and solutions. The digital twinning experience allowed them to showcase their skills and creative energies in a global forum, connecting with diverse perspectives from peers and experts.
Facilitating Future Pathways
ISESCO’s regional office in Sharjah recognises the unique capabilities and potential of Emirati youth. It remains dedicated to providing opportunities that amplify their presence in regional and international initiatives, thereby broadening their avenues for gaining insights and experiences that enhance their knowledge and career paths. The office ensured a well-organised environment throughout the forum, from registration to active participation in sessions, contributing to a comprehensive experience that merged informative presence with meaningful interaction.
Wider Reach and Impact
The participation in Sharjah was part of a broader gathering attracting over 5,500 young individuals and generating more than 9 million views, reflecting the forum’s extensive reach and engagement. This highlights the critical importance of digital models that widen the scope for youth involvement in international events, ensuring that geographical distance does not hinder their ability to participate and contribute.
The digital twinning experience within the Knowledge Youth Forum 2026 exemplifies how digital transformation can create new spaces for youth to engage in knowledge production and experience exchange. Through contemporary technological applications, international events can foster shared experiences that unite participants from diverse cities and countries, enabling them to connect, converse, and interact within a singular knowledge space.