Why Knowledge Is the Hidden Weapon in Global Crises

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-09-26

What if the biggest crisis of our time isn't something we can see coming? That's the question policymakers, private-sector executives, and young leaders wrestled with at a high-level event held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on September 26, 2026. Hosted by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the gathering brought together senior UN officials, representatives of Member States, mission delegates, and voices from knowledge institutions. Their conclusion? Knowledge isn't just nice to have. It's the tool that helps us forecast and soften the blow of global crises. ### The Room Was Full of People Who Shape Policy You had the usual suspects—diplomats, academics, business leaders—but also young people, which matters more than it sounds. Crises don't wait for the next generation to be ready. They hit now, and they hit everyone. The conversation wasn't about abstract theories. It was about how we use what we know to anticipate shocks, whether they're economic, environmental, or geopolitical. Because here's the thing: we often have the data. We just don't always connect the dots in time. ### Knowledge as a Crisis Forecasting Tool Think of it like a weather radar for society. You can see the storm forming if you know where to look. The event highlighted that knowledge systems—education, research, data sharing—are our early warning systems. When they're strong, we can act before a crisis becomes a catastrophe. But that requires more than just collecting information. It means making it accessible, understandable, and actionable for the people who need it most. That's where the MBRF and UNDP partnership comes in. > "Knowledge is the one resource that grows when you share it." — A sentiment echoed throughout the event. ### What This Means for You You might not be a UN delegate, but this affects you. Global crises ripple into local economies, supply chains, and communities. When leaders prioritize knowledge-sharing, they're building a more resilient world—one that can handle surprises better. - **Early warning matters.** Whether it's a pandemic or a financial meltdown, the sooner we know, the better we respond. - **Collaboration beats isolation.** No single country or organization has all the answers. - **Young voices are essential.** They bring fresh perspectives and long-term stakes. ### The Takeaway We can't predict everything. But we can get better at seeing patterns, sharing what we learn, and acting together. That's the real power of knowledge. It's not about being the smartest person in the room—it's about making sure the room is smart enough to handle what's coming. So next time you hear about a global crisis, ask yourself: what did we know, and when did we know it? The answer might surprise you.