Global ministers highlight role of knowledge, digital skills, and community engagement in building sustainable societies
DUBAI, UAE, November 22, 2025 -- The Knowledge Summit 2025, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), today hosted a high-level session titled 'Knowledge Pathways for Sustainable Communities (High-Level Ministerial Roundtable)'. The session brought together ministers, policymakers, global experts, and development leaders to discuss the critical role of knowledge, data, and community-driven approaches in advancing sustainable and resilient societies.
The roundtable featured distinguished speakers, including H.E. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; H.E. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sierra Leone; H.E. Hibo Moumin Assoweh, Minister of Youth and Culture, Djibouti; H.E. Hon Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Gambia; and H.E. Tom Erdimi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chad. Additional contributors included Dr. Nasser Bakr Alkahtani, Executive Director, AGFUND; H.E. Musa Al Maaytah, Chairman of Jordan's Independent Election Commission; H.E. Dr. Magued Ibrahim Osman, CEO of Baseera, Egypt; Sami Dimassi, West Asia Regional Director, UNEP; H.E. Dr. Motaz Khorshid, Former Minister of Higher Education, Egypt; H.E. Prof. Yousry El Gamal, Former Minister of Education, Egypt; Dr. Houda Babah Sid M'hamed, Minister of Education and the Reform of the Education System; Dr. Yassen Alfoteih, Associate Professor, Dean of Humanities College, City University Ajman, UNEP; and H.E. Prof. Taoufik Rajhi, Former Minister in charge of Major Reforms, Tunisia. The session was moderated by Stephanie Boustany.
The session explored a range of priorities, including embedding sustainability and digital literacy within education systems and workforce development, leveraging research and data to drive inclusive and evidence-based policymaking, and empowering communities by integrating local, indigenous, and scientific knowledge into national sustainability efforts. Speakers also emphasized the importance of aligning government, academia, and the private sector to ensure that knowledge is effectively translated into measurable and sustainable impact.
H.E. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie highlighted the need to integrate sustainability, digital literacy, and green practices into curricula, enabling students to contribute to global climate action. H.E. Prof. Pierre Gomez underlined the importance of reengineering higher education systems to be digitally forward, embedding sustainability and green principles, and leveraging open educational resources. Dr. Motaz Khorshid highlighted lifelong learning and a national strategy to foster innovation, personality development, and community engagement as key to building knowledge-based economies.
Participants highlighted the significance of community-driven approaches. H.E. Hibo Moumin Assoweh emphasized the need to combine traditional and modern knowledge to foster entrepreneurship and empower youth. At the same time, Tom Erdimi spoke about designing institutions that reflect local culture and traditions. Sami Dimassi and Houda Babah emphasized that environmental transitions require strong government systems, behavioral change, and inclusive education for rural and vulnerable populations. Dr. Magued Osman and Dr. Yassen Alfoteih noted the importance of citizen participation and equipping students to understand societal challenges.
The session underscored that advancing sustainable societies requires a holistic approach that integrates knowledge, digital skills, environmental awareness, and active community engagement to ensure no one is left behind.
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