The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Arab States, together with the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, convened an event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, titled ‘Knowledge as a Crisis Compass: Anticipate, Adapt, Advance.’

Held alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the gathering brought together representatives and mission delegates, senior UN officials, policymakers, leaders of knowledge institutions, private-sector executives, and young people.

As part of the event sessions, practical instruments developed through the MBRF-UNDP partnership, such as the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) and Future Skills Academy, were prominently highlighted. These tools illustrate how knowledge can be operationalized to assess strengths and gaps in countries’ knowledge ecosystems and equip individuals with the resources required to navigate rapidly changing labour markets, as well as economic, technological, and green transitions. The event was anchored in the three‑part framework – ‘Anticipate, Adapt, Advance.’

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, said: “Our collaboration with UNDP embodies our dedication to transforming knowledge into practical tools that empower societies to anticipate emerging shifts, adapt to evolving challenges, and turn disruptions into opportunities. Through initiatives such as the GKI and Future Skills Academy, our goal is to equip individuals and institutions with the capabilities required to build resilient, innovative, and future‑ready economies.”

Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States, said: “Crises today rarely arrive alone; they cluster and cascade across systems, which means knowledge can no longer be applied only after the fact. It must help decision makers anticipate risk and adapt in real time. Our long-standing partnership with MBRF reflects this shift, treating knowledge as core infrastructure for development and demonstrating how practical tools help nations move beyond crisis towards sustained progress.”

The discussions emphasized the future of economies, exploring how innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship can prepare institutions and businesses for economic, digital, and climate transitions. It also addressed challenges central to the Arab region, stressing the need to reinforce local and regional capacities to anticipate, absorb, and recover from impacts.

The ideas and insights generated will directly shape the agenda of the Knowledge Summit 2026, continuing the dialogue from the UN Headquarters to Dubai.