Locations
Knowledge Project
The Knowledge Project, a joint initiative by UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), seeks to empower sustainable development by building knowledge societies in the Arab States region and beyond. The project, extending until 2030, and since its eEstablishmented in 2008, has been at the forefront of building knowledge societies in the region, providing tools, insights, and indices to help policymakers, academia, and civil society promote knowledge as a cornerstone for economic and social transformation. Key achievements include the Global Knowledge Index, the Global Skills Coalition, the Future Skills Academy, the Future of Knowledge Foresight Reports and the Knowledge4All portal, as well as the KnowTalks, Knowledge Summit, Knowledge Weeks, the Arab Knowledge Index, the Arab Reading Index and the Arab Knowledge Reports, which guide countries in their pursuit of knowledge-driven growth.
What we do
Knowledge Week events, most recently held in Kuwait (2024–2025), build on successful editions in countries such as Egypt and Jordan. They continue to spark meaningful dialogues between youth and policymakers, driving local collaboration toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Testimonials
Amany Fahid: “During the war in Gaza, the Future Skills Academy gave me hope and the strength to continue learning. It empowered me not only to survive but to help rebuild my community.”
Tony Abbott, Former Prime Minister of Australia: “The Knowledge Summit is a clear demonstration of the peace and prosperity to which we aspire, affirming the high level of intellectual communication reached by humanity.
Harry Anthony Patrinos, Former Senior Adviser of Education at the World Bank: “It’s important that we promote knowledge for development. It is equally important that we measure global knowledge. The Global Knowledge Index puts knowledge measurement at the forefront.”
Our Team
The project team consists of experts from UNDP RBAS, supported by an advisory committee as well as consultants who guide the Global Knowledge Index and other project outputs. Together, they collaborate closely with UNDP Country Offices and key stakeholders across the Arab States and beyond.
Hany Torky – Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager
Stéphanie Boustany – Project, Research and Communications Specialist
Myriam Sadaka – Project and Research Associate
Matimba Jolayemi – Statistics Analyst
Amany Abdelnour – Research Assistant
Nizar El Kotob – Research Assistant
Ward Al-Sabbagh – Research Analyst
Rand Burnieh – Research Assistant
Bayan AlSutari – Web Editor
Rasha Alsabbagh – Communications Associate
Aceel Obaidi – Research and Communications Assistant
Nezar Sami – Skills Development Analyst
Mahmoud Abdelqader – Project and Coordination Associate
Aseer Ali – Project Assistant
Malak Qonbia – Skills Development Assistant
Partners
The Knowledge Project is jointly supported by UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States (RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF).