Manama Hosts Major Arab Think Tank Forum
The seventh annual forum of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) opened on Sunday evening under the theme “The Arab Research Centers Consortium for Sustainability and Development.” The forum is being held in partnership with the League of Arab States, with the participation of Arab state representatives, heads of think tanks, diplomats, and experts. The opening ceremony was attended by the League’s Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
The forum was inaugurated with a speech by Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Derasat. He expressed Bahrain’s pride in hosting the forum, noting that it reflects the Kingdom’s strong support for scientific research and innovation, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He explained that Derasat’s role in implementing the recommendation of the Bahrain Arab Summit to establish an Arab research platform for sustainability and economic development represents a practical step toward strengthening joint Arab action. He highlighted Bahrain’s continued contributions to Arab causes and its role as a voice of moderation and wisdom.
The chairman said the forum serves as a strategic platform to link research with decision-making, develop practical and innovative ideas, and support sustainable development agendas across the Arab world. He stressed the importance of cooperation with the League of Arab States, especially as the region faces complex challenges, noting that research centers play a vital role as hubs for ideas, dialogue, and informed policy solutions.
During the opening, a documentary book titled “The Kingdom of Bahrain and the League of Arab States: 1971–2025” was launched. The publication documents more than five decades of cooperation between Bahrain and the League, highlighting key initiatives, major Arab summits, and speeches by His Majesty the King that emphasize Arab unity and central issues, particularly the Palestinian cause. The launch included a short film and the honoring of leading Arab think tank officials and researchers.
In his address, Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit praised Bahrain for hosting the forum and commended the Kingdom’s leadership for its consistent support of joint Arab action and research-based development. He expressed optimism about the future of Arab cooperation, especially with increased focus on modern, development-oriented scientific research.
Forum sessions will discuss the growing role of think tanks in supporting sustainable development, integrating national solutions into global agendas, and using future policy tools such as big data, artificial intelligence, and strategic foresight.
The forum is expected to conclude with practical recommendations, including steps toward launching an Arab intellectual and development incubator, a joint initiative by Derasat and the League of Arab States to strengthen research cooperation and support effective development policies across the Arab region.
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