The fifth Youth Knowledge Forum kicked off on Monday, 7 September 2026, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. Organized in partnership between ICESCO, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Forum is held under the theme “From Crisis to Sustainability,” with nearly 3,000 young women and men participating from Rabat, Sharjah, Cairo, and Kazan via digital-twin technology.

The two-day event features the use of digital-twin technology for the first time across the Islamic world, with Morocco serving as the main host hub and the Forum’s sessions and workshops linked to centers in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, enabling real-time interaction among participants.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, stated that young people face rapid transformations that are reshaping jobs and widening the gap between those equipped with the tools needed for the future and those lacking them. He explained that societies’ capacity for progress depends on their ability to learn from crises and address the vulnerabilities.

Dr. AlMalik stressed that the transition to sustainability begins with an accurate understanding of current realities and decisions that translate ideas into action. He affirmed that ICESCO regards Member States’ youth as key partners in shaping the future and that the Forum seeks to transform their knowledge into practical capabilities and their ideas into actionable partnerships and initiatives.

For his part, Mr. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, stated that interconnected global crises require new ideas, more effective partnerships, and solutions grounded in knowledge and innovation.

He emphasized that the Forum seeks to move beyond discussion toward measurable and actionable plans and initiatives, noting that its true value lies in the ideas and partnerships led by young people as partners in developing solutions and leaders of the future.

In remarks delivered on her behalf by Mr. Adel Ghamart, Secretary-General of the Ministry, Ms. Naïma Ben Yahya, Morocco’s Minister of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, affirmed that addressing the challenges facing young people begins with crisis prevention and the provision of clear pathways toward social and economic empowerment.

Ms. Leyla Fazleeva, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, explained that shared values strengthen the resilience of individuals and countries while fostering trust, mutual respect, and sustainable development. Ms. Ilaria Carnevali, UNDP Resident Representative in Morocco, noted that young people seek not only to navigate uncertainty but also to shape the systems that will define their future.

The first day featured three main sessions titled “When crises meets sustainability,” “Youth voices: Turning Ambition into Success,” and “Your Career in a Changing World.” Former ministers, ambassadors, experts, and young participants discussed ways to address crises and transform them into opportunities for development. The day also featured youth activities, folklore performances, and theatrical presentations that drew strong engagement from participants.