The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have released the Global Knowledge Index 2025 results, providing critical insights into how knowledge serves as a fundamental driver of national prosperity and sustainable development. The findings were unveiled during a special session at the Knowledge Summit 2025 held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where global experts and policymakers gathered to examine knowledge-driven development strategies.
Switzerland claimed the top position in the global rankings, followed by Singapore and Sweden in second and third places respectively. The complete top ten list includes Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and Norway. These nations share common characteristics of robust innovation ecosystems and advanced technological frameworks that support knowledge creation and dissemination.
Regionally, the United Arab Emirates secured the leading position among Arab nations, demonstrating strong performance in innovation, digital capacity, and knowledge readiness. Saudi Arabia followed in second place, supported by consistent investment in education and technology infrastructure, while Qatar ranked third, showing continuous improvement across multiple knowledge indicators. The index reveals significant progress across several Arab states, particularly in technological infrastructure development and the integration of modern tools into national development planning.
His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, emphasized that the Global Knowledge Index represents a key achievement of the longstanding partnership between MBRF and UNDP, reflecting their shared commitment to building sustainable knowledge economies. The UAE's regional leadership position underscores the nation's fundamental belief in human capital investment as the cornerstone of progress. More information about their initiatives can be found at https://www.mbrf.ae.
Dr. Hany Torky, Chief Technical Adviser and Project Manager for the Knowledge Project at UNDP, highlighted the index's practical significance in sharing best practices and helping countries identify and address performance gaps. He stressed that universal access to knowledge remains essential for building productive, inclusive societies and that human-centered investment represents the foundation of sustainable development. Additional resources are available through https://www.undp.org.
The 2025 Global Knowledge Index arrives at a critical juncture in global development, reinforcing knowledge as an indispensable component of national resilience, innovation capacity, and long-term economic prosperity. As countries navigate complex challenges including technological transformation and climate change, the index provides a comprehensive framework for assessing knowledge readiness and identifying strategic investment priorities. The continued collaboration between MBRF and UNDP ensures that the index will remain a vital tool for policymakers worldwide seeking to leverage knowledge as a transformative force for sustainable development.
