Kuwait, June 23, 2025, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development (GSSCPD) in Kuwait have launched the third and final stop of the “Knowledge Journey in Kuwait.” This initiative supports Kuwaiti women and youth by equipping them with leadership and innovation skills to meet future demands and promote sustainable development across both public and private sectors.

Kicking off today with two virtual sessions on June 23 and 25, the final phase will continue with three in-person sessions in Kuwait on June 30, July 1, and July 2. A total of 60 young participants are taking part in this phase, which offers interactive learning, engaging discussions, and practical sessions to encourage collaboration and critical thinking. It also features keynote speeches delivered by distinguished experts in their respective fields, as well as the development of an actionable roadmap and forward-looking proposals that enhance knowledge sustainability and its application. Recommendations will also be presented to decision-makers, making this phase a strategic platform for shaping the future of knowledge in Kuwait.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, stated: "Based on our belief in the importance of investing in human capital, empowering youth, and developing their capabilities to meet the demands of this fast-paced era, the Foundation continuously strives to design new programs and innovative initiatives that contribute to spreading knowledge and building the capacities of young people wherever they are. Within this framework, the 'Knowledge Journey' aligns with the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to expand the reach of its projects and initiatives to new segments and diverse communities both regionally and globally, embodying the Foundation’s vision of supporting a sustainable knowledge economy driven by creativity and innovation."

"The Knowledge Journey in Kuwait' underscores UNDP’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth in the Arab region and engaging them as partners in shaping a sustainable future,” said Ms. Emma Morley, UNDP Resident Representative in Kuwait. “In a rapidly changing world, the countries that thrive are those that invest in knowledge, innovation, and human capital. Through our collaboration with MBRF and the GSSCPD, we are providing women and youth with the tools to engage with global developments, inform data-driven policymaking, and contribute to shaping Kuwait’s future. This initiative reflects UNDP’s support for Kuwait’s national priorities under Vision 2035, placing youth at the heart of a diversified, inclusive and knowledge-driven economy.”

The GSSCPD also stated: “This initiative builds on Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to empower youth and support national talent, in line with the priorities of the National Development Plan and the ‘New Kuwait 2035’ vision. Investing in human capital remains a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development and advancing a knowledge-based economy. Through our partnership with MBRF and UNDP, we aim to create an enabling environment that cultivates youth leadership and strengthens their ability to navigate the knowledge and digital transformation across sectors. This effort contributes to preparing a generation of leaders capable of addressing future challenges and creating meaningful development opportunities.”

The final stop is expected to build upon the outcomes of the previous two phases, drawing on the insights and discussions held across various sectors. The first phase, held in October 2024, explored the importance of knowledge in driving development and highlighted the Global Knowledge Index as a tool to assess the state and direction of the global knowledge economy. The second phase, held in February 2025, focused on leveraging technology, research and development, and digital literacy to accelerate and sustain development in Arab countries. It also addressed the development of education systems and the promotion of lifelong learning, particularly in vocational training.

The “Knowledge Journey in Kuwait” builds on the success of the “Knowledge Week” initiative, which was held in Jordan in 2019 and in Egypt in 2020. It also aligns with global trends toward building knowledge-based societies, in line with Kuwait’s Third National Development Plan and Kuwait Vision 2035.

For more information, please contact

In UNDP – Kuwait    |    Nayla Bissat    |    Nayla.bissat@undp.org    |    +965 99568005

In UNDP – Dubai     |    Rasha Al Sabbagh    |    rasha.alsabbagh@undp. org    |    +963 945252780

About UNDP

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