MBRF and UNDP launch 5th edition of Youth Knowledge Forum in Morocco

Under the theme ‘From Crisis to Sustainability’ and in collaboration with ICESCO

Press Release

Dubai, UAE:  The fifth edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF) opened today under the theme ‘From Crisis to Sustainability.’ Jointly organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the YKF is being held in Rabat, Morocco, for the second time. 

The YKF aims to empower youth and nurture creativity in knowledge transfer and localization by offering an interactive avenue where participants can directly engage with leading experts, specialists, and decision-makers from around the world.

The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO; H.E. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan; H.E. Naima Ben Yahia, Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family, Morocco; H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Advisor and Project Manager, Knowledge Project – UNDP; and Ilaria Carnevali, Resident Representative of UNDP in the Kingdom of Morocco.

H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, stated: “At MBRF, we are guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as well as the wise directives of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, which position knowledge, human empowerment, and capacity building as key pillars for shaping a prosperous tomorrow.”

His Excellency further stated: “The theme ‘From Crisis to Sustainability’ highlights the ongoing crises affecting development ventures all around the world. We need new ideas, strong partnerships, and innovative solutions rooted in knowledge and innovation to tackle these issues. Reflecting this, YKF’s latest edition spotlights the role of sustainability as a framework for crisis response and youth’s role in addressing various challenges. Moreover, it aims to align youth initiatives with broader Sustainable Development Goals and rapid transformations shaping future jobs and skills, ultimately linking education objectives to labor market demands.”

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik said: “The widening gap between those who possess future-ready skills and those who lack them, reflects the immense scale of our responsibility. At the end of 2025, there were 117.8 million forcibly displaced individuals, with nearly one in five young people not being in employment, education, or training. This further reinforces the critical role of knowledge dissemination in addressing global challenges.” 

He added: “ICESCO considers youth as primary partners in building a strong future and positively transforming the Arab world. In line with this, the YKF enables participants to better understand crises, acquire effective response tools, forge strategic partnerships, and translate ideas into practical ventures, so acquired knowledge becomes capacity and yields lasting impact. This year’s highlight is the digital twinning experience, extending from Rabat to young participants across the UAE, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Tatarstan.”

Day one featured three panel discussions. ‘When Crises Meet Sustainability’ explored global crises in 2026, sustainability as a crisis-response framework, leaders’ and experts’ insights, as well as youth responsibility. ‘From Crisis to Sustainability: Youth Advancing the SDGs’ unveiled relevant insights on crisis response and recovery with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG contributions to youth-led projects, as well as the practical application of these methods – from local initiatives to national institutions. ‘Your Career in a Changing World’ addressed crises’ impact on jobs and skills, bridging the education-employment gap, inclusive youth employment pathways, as well as learning from other countries’ experiences in choosing careers and projects.

The latest edition builds on YKF’s ongoing journey as a leading platform for youth, experts, and decision-makers to exchange knowledge and expertise. It further empowers youth to address contemporary challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to nurturing a resilient and prosperous future.

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