The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed details of the 10th edition of the “Knowledge Summit” during an event held at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, in partnership with the UAE Permanent Mission to the UN. The summit will take place on November 19-20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event highlighted the main agenda topics of the summit sessions, celebrating an exceptional edition this year marking 10 years since its launch. It discusses the concept of “Knowledge Markets” as an economic and social pillar capable of driving growth, reducing gaps, and empowering individuals and communities. It reviews best international practices in sustainable development pathways and addresses the role of partnerships and investments in building integrated knowledge ecosystems.

This year’s summit will host more than 45 panel discussions with about 130 speakers, including prominent government officials, international experts, thought leaders, business and development leaders from various sectors. The summit will also feature interactive activities such as the Authors’ Corner, Knowledge Markets Exhibition, Knowledge Café, a policy roundtable, and the launch of the 2025 edition of the “Global Knowledge Index,” which helps anticipate future trends and opportunities related to knowledge economies and societies worldwide, supporting policy-making for countries.

The “Knowledge Summit 2025” sessions will discuss enhancing global dialogue to build fairer and more effective knowledge markets that contribute to establishing a sustainable knowledge economy capable of adapting to rapid transformations. It will focus on exploring modern technological tools such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data, and their role in creating practical solutions for global challenges. Key issues such as legislation, societal transformations, intellectual property, patents, education, scientific research, development, and innovation will also be covered.

Jamal bin Huwaireb, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, said: “The Knowledge Summit 2025 represents a significant strategic milestone, crowning a decade of qualitative achievements and reaffirming its mission to establish knowledge as a tool for empowerment, generational development, and building a more prosperous future. Announcing the details of this edition from the heart of New York reflects the summit’s status as an effective global platform and confirms its role in shaping innovative solutions to common challenges, enhancing sustainable development, and enshrining knowledge as a fundamental human right and a key pillar in empowering individuals and communities.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Regional Director for the Arab States at UNDP, said: “This year’s Knowledge Summit confirms that knowledge is more than just an intellectual resource; it forms the foundation for building fairer and more sustainable economies and societies. At UNDP, we believe knowledge markets can be the most important driver for empowering individuals, reducing gaps, and enhancing countries’ ability to face global challenges from climate change to digital transformations. Through our partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, we seek to transform knowledge into a driving force for inclusive development, contributing to shaping a more just and prosperous future for all humanity.”

Leading Index

Dr. Hani Turki, Chief Technical Advisor and Global Knowledge Project Manager at UNDP, said: “The Global Knowledge Index has been a leading knowledge tool since 2017 and underwent a comprehensive review starting in 2024 with experts from multiple sectors to ensure it keeps pace with rapid global changes, including technology, digital economy, climate change, and more. This reflects a collective multidisciplinary effort. The new edition will be launched and its official 2025 results announced during the Knowledge Summit 2025 in Dubai. The index aims to provide deep insights to help countries shape their future policies and investments.”

Jamal bin Huwaireb:

• The announcement of the new edition’s details from New York reflects the summit’s status as an effective global platform and confirms its role in shaping innovative solutions.

Abdullah Al Dardari:

• We seek to transform knowledge into a driving force for inclusive development, contributing to shaping a more just and prosperous future for all humanity.