Global Leaders Emphasize Knowledge and Digital Skills as Foundation for Sustainable Societies
TL;DR
Governments can gain strategic advantages by integrating digital literacy and sustainability into education systems to build resilient, knowledge-based economies.
The Knowledge Summit session outlined a systematic approach combining education reform, data-driven policymaking, and community engagement to advance sustainable development.
Integrating local knowledge with modern education creates more inclusive societies where communities actively participate in building sustainable futures for all.
Ministers from Africa and the Middle East shared innovative strategies for blending traditional wisdom with digital education to empower youth.
Found this article helpful?
Share it with your network and spread the knowledge!
Ministers, policymakers, and development leaders convened at the Knowledge Summit 2025 to address the essential role of knowledge, digital skills, and community-driven approaches in creating sustainable societies. The high-level ministerial roundtable, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together representatives from multiple nations to discuss pathways toward resilience and inclusivity.
The session explored priorities such as embedding sustainability and digital literacy within education systems and workforce development. Participants emphasized leveraging research and data to drive inclusive, evidence-based policymaking and integrating local, indigenous, and scientific knowledge into national sustainability efforts. H.E. Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education in Sierra Leone, highlighted the need to integrate sustainability, digital literacy, and green practices into curricula, enabling students to contribute to global climate action. This aligns with the UNDP's focus on sustainable development.
H.E. Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology in Gambia, 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, former Minister of Higher Education in Egypt, emphasized lifelong learning and national strategies to foster innovation, personality development, and community engagement as key to building knowledge-based economies. The MBRF's initiatives, detailed at their official site, support such educational transformations.
Community-driven approaches were a central theme. H.E. Hibo Moumin Assoweh, Minister of Youth and Culture in Djibouti, stressed combining traditional and modern knowledge to foster entrepreneurship and empower youth. Tom Erdimi, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Chad, spoke about designing institutions that reflect local culture and traditions. Sami Dimassi, West Asia Regional Director for UNEP, and Dr. Houda Babah Sid M'hamed, Minister of Education and the Reform of the Education System, noted that environmental transitions require strong government systems, behavioral change, and inclusive education for rural and vulnerable populations. The UNEP's resources at their website provide further insights into these efforts.
Dr. Magued Osman, CEO of Baseera in Egypt, and Dr. Yassen Alfoteih, Associate Professor and Dean at City University Ajman, highlighted the importance of citizen participation and equipping students to understand societal challenges. The session concluded that advancing sustainable societies demands a holistic approach integrating knowledge, digital skills, environmental awareness, and active community engagement to ensure no one is left behind, reinforcing the critical need for aligned efforts across government, academia, and the private sector.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
