Our Story

The Knowledge Project, a joint initiative launched in 2008 by the United Nations Development Programme for Arab States (UNDP RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), seeks to foster the development of thriving knowledge-based societies in the Arab States and globally. Through a strategic partnership extending until 2030, we work to localize knowledge, develop skills, and create data-driven insights to promote innovation and foster knowledge-based economies.

Our Mission and Vision

We aim to empower nations, communities, and individuals to achieve progress and prosperity by making knowledge accessible to all and utilizing it as a primary tool to drive positive change. With a long-term vision, we strive to catalyze global knowledge-driven development to build a better future for humanity and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with the 2030 Agenda.

What We Do

1) Building Stronger Knowledge Ecosystems

We develop comprehensive knowledge tools to monitor the state of knowledge in the region and globally, anticipate the future of knowledge, and analyze global trends. These include the ‘Global Knowledge Index,’ ‘Future of Knowledge Foresight Reports,’ the ‘Arab Reading Index,’ and the ‘Arab Knowledge Reports,’ alongside the digital portal ‘Knowledge4All,’ which brings together all these knowledge products.

2) Empowering Individuals with Future Skills

Our goal is to equip 10 million learners with the skills needed for the future workforce by 2030 through initiatives such as the ‘Future Skills Academy’ and the ‘Global Skills Coalition.’ By bridging the digital divide in the Arab region, we aim to create a more skilled and competitive workforce.

3) Fostering Global Dialogue on Knowledge

We convene thought leaders, policymakers, innovators, and youth through global platforms, such as the ‘Knowledge Summit’, ‘KnowTalks’, ‘Youth Knowledge Forum’, and ‘Knowledge Weeks’, to foster knowledge exchange, forge impactful partnerships, and craft innovative solutions to the world's most pressing challenges.