Youth Knowledge Forum 2025 to Boost Skills & Innovation

Photo: WAM

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will co-host the 4th edition of the Youth Knowledge Forum (YKF) in Cairo, Egypt, on July 20 and 21, 2025. This major youth event is organized in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS).

This year’s theme is "Knowledge Economy and Human Development," and the forum will focus on helping young people become more involved in building knowledge-driven societies. It aims to inspire youth to become key players in sustainable development, innovation, and digital transformation.

What is the Youth Knowledge Forum?

The Youth Knowledge Forum is a leading event that brings together young people, decision-makers, educators, and leaders from across the Arab world. It provides a space for discussing important topics like entrepreneurship, digital skills, education reform, and climate action.

The forum allows participants to share ideas, listen to success stories, and learn how to overcome the challenges facing today’s youth. It also offers practical solutions to support a strong knowledge economy that benefits future generations.

Focus Areas of YKF 2025

YKF 2025 will highlight key areas that are critical for youth development and national progress:

• Entrepreneurship and Startup Support: Helping young people start and grow their businesses
• Digital Transformation: Equipping youth with skills for the modern, tech-driven world
• Educational Reform: Shifting from traditional education to lifelong learning
• Artificial Intelligence and the Job Market: Exploring how AI is changing employment
• Fighting Misinformation: Understanding the role of media and truth in the digital age
• Arts and Innovation: Highlighting how creative industries support national development

The event will also address how to connect formal and informal education, create inclusive digital systems, and provide equal opportunities to all youth, especially in underserved communities.

Egypt’s Role in Hosting the Forum

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt's Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized that hosting the forum shows Egypt’s strong commitment to empowering young people. He believes that youth are the backbone of Egypt’s new era of development, often called the "New Republic."

Dr. Sobhy said the forum will expand the intellectual and practical skills of young people, especially in fields like digital innovation and business. He also praised the partnership between UNDP and MBRF, which reflects deep cooperation among Arab and international organizations.

MBRF and UNDP’s Ongoing Commitment

Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, stated that this forum reflects the Foundation’s long-standing goal to position youth as essential contributors to a more sustainable and innovative future.

"We are not just providing tools," he said, "but also the motivation to become problem-solvers and change-makers."

The event is a result of close cooperation between MBRF, MOYS, and UNDP, all working together to shape a knowledge-based society in the Arab world.

Ghimar Deeb, Acting Resident Representative of UNDP Egypt, highlighted how empowering young people is a top priority, especially as the world moves towards a knowledge-based economy.

He noted that UNDP has supported youth in Egypt with skills related to digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and green economy, helping them take part in sustainable national development.

What Will Happen During the Forum?

The two-day event will include:

• Panel Discussions: Featuring experts from different fields
• Interactive Dialogues: Where youth can engage directly with decision-makers
• Workshops: Focused on entrepreneurship, digital skills, and AI
• Success Stories: Young entrepreneurs will share how they built their businesses

These sessions will give attendees real-world knowledge and exposure to global best practices. Special attention will be given to fake news and the digital era, as well as how Gen Alpha (the youngest generation) can become smarter and more responsible digital citizens.

A Youth Dialogue to Close the Event

YKF 2025 will end with a special Youth Open Dialogue session. This will be a safe space for young people to share their own ideas, challenges, and future dreams.

It will encourage open communication, lifelong learning, and community spirit. The session is expected to promote stronger cooperation among Arab youth and help create a solid foundation for a knowledge-powered society.

Empowering Youth for a Knowledge-Driven Future

The 4th Youth Knowledge Forum in Cairo is set to be a meaningful step forward in empowering young minds in Egypt and the Arab world. By focusing on digital skills, entrepreneurship, and education reform, the forum promises to give youth the tools they need to thrive in the future.

With strong partnerships between government and international organizations, YKF 2025 aims to turn ideas into actions—helping young people become the real drivers of progress in a world that’s quickly changing.

It’s not just a conference—it’s a call to action for a brighter, smarter, and more sustainable future led by youth.