In a significant gathering at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the UN, hosted its annual high-level event. The event, entitled “Knowledge: A Compass for Confronting Crises,” was timed alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Highlighting the Role of Knowledge
The event attracted representatives from UN diplomatic missions, senior officials from international organisations, policymakers, knowledge institutions, private sector representatives, and youth leaders. The gathering centred on a vital discussion of the growing role of knowledge in enhancing the capacity of communities and nations to preempt crises, adapt to their repercussions, and transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
Insights from Key Speakers
In his address, Jamal bin Huwaireb, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge, remarked, “The value of knowledge lies not only in its accumulation but in our ability to translate it into skills, innovations, decisions, and solutions that create a tangible and lasting impact. Given the rapid transformations occurring globally, the role of knowledge extends beyond crisis response—it involves anticipating and preparing for challenges and learning from them to build communities that are more adaptable and resilient.” He emphasised the need for investment in human capital, critical thinking, and skill development to ensure that the opportunities presented by technology and knowledge remain accessible to all.
Bin Huwaireb added, “Our ambition should surpass mere consumption of knowledge; we must focus on its production, localisation, and development, particularly in our Arab region, so that our youth can be partners in shaping the future. To achieve this, we are collaborating with the UNDP on quality projects such as the ‘Future Skills Academy’ and the ‘Global Knowledge Index,’ aiming to strengthen the integration of education, scientific research, technology, and entrepreneurship, thereby making knowledge a true driver of sustainable development and a tool for empowering our youth to anticipate and participate in the future they will create.”
Global Challenges and Proactive Solutions
Dr. Abdallah Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, also spoke at the event. He noted, “The global landscape today is witnessing an accumulation of crises across various sectors, creating a dynamic reality where reliance on knowledge after challenges arise is insufficient. In this context, knowledge has become a fundamental pillar for enabling decision-makers to foresee risks and address changes directly. Our longstanding partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge reinforces the role of knowledge as a central framework for development, highlighting the importance of practical tools in enabling nations to overcome crises and move toward more sustainable and progressive paths.”
Looking Forward
The event also underscored a global reality wherein economic, climatic, and technological challenges are increasingly interwoven, affecting communities and economies. This reality necessitates a shift from merely reacting to crises to developing proactive and resilient capabilities underpinned by knowledge, data, foresight, and future skills.
Attendees discussed advancements and achievements from the initiatives fostered through the partnership between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Knowledge and the UNDP, focusing particularly on the Global Knowledge Index and the Future Skills Academy. These initiatives exemplify the effective use of knowledge in supporting individuals, institutions, and nations.
This event is part of the ongoing knowledge dialogue initiated by the Knowledge Summit, an annual event for the Foundation and the UNDP, where discussions hosted in New York extend this global dialogue by gathering insights and experiences on leveraging knowledge, foresight, skills, and innovation to confront challenges and crises, ultimately shaping actionable ideas and solutions that enhance community resilience and promote sustainable development.
-انتهى-
#بياناتحكومية
للمزيد من المعلومات، يرجى الاتصال بـ:
مجموعة أورينت بلانيت
بريد الكتروني: [email protected]
موقع الكتروني: www.orientplanet.com