Derasat Center hosts the Global Think Tanks Summit

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

In a regional first, the Kingdom of Bahrain will host the 2021 Global Think Tanks Summit, hosted by the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), in collaboration with the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program at The Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania, 5-7 December, at the Sofitel Zallaq hotel.

On this occasion, Derasat Chairman Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa said, "The Global Think Tanks Summit enables communication and examining the latest developments in global think tanks' work, in an all-inclusive exchange of research concepts and visions, making the Kingdom of Bahrain a platform for vital post-COVID consultations and intellectual exchanges; the pandemic's direct and indirect implications; and their impact on ongoing conflicts."

His Excellency added, "We anticipate rich discussions in various research areas and their applied aspects in serving public policy and decision makers, under the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, and in-line with the visions of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to showcase Bahrain's prominent intellectual position on a global scale - especially after the evident success of the Kingdom's policies and procedures in containing the pandemic, while enabling business continuity and the maximum cushioning against economic repercussions."

The Summit will gather 200 officials and experts from over 40 global think tanks in various fields, and is set to discuss in five sessions topics covering public policies and strategic challenges; changes caused by the pandemic and their benefits and risks; the power and capabilities of partnerships in a post-COVID world; strengthening women's position in think tanks and policy advice; and building better bridges with policy makers and the general public.

Notably, Derasat Center achieved progress on the Global Go-To Think Tank Index over the past few years, advancing from 42nd place in 2018 to 23rd in 2020 at the MENA level, and from 11th to 7th place during that period among Arabian Gulf States.

The Global Think Tanks Summit involves the participation of elite leaders and experts from some of the leading global think tanks. Hosting such a high profile event reflects Derasat Center's focus on raising its profile and global outreach as a forward-thinking intellectual platform against various challenges; representing Bahrain's positive image and sincere efforts in the areas of development and enhancing human values; and the value of exchanging expertise among research centers to build positive cooperative relations between the output of their work and activities, and reality's requirements and challenges, in a dynamic way far from rigid traditions.

This Summit is organized with support from the Bahrain Economic Development Board, the Labour Fund 'Tamkeen', Gulf Air Company, and Trends Research & Advisory in Abu Dhabi.