7th Derasat forum concludes
Manama, Dec. 23 (BNA): The seventh annual forum of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) concluded today under the theme "The Arab Research Centers Consortium for Sustainability and Development". The forum was held in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Arab League.
The event was attended by representatives of Arab countries, heads of think tanks, diplomats, experts, and researchers from across the Arab world.
The forum’s conclusion held a series of in-depth dialogue sessions and discussions that addressed the growing role of Arab research centres in supporting sustainable development pathways, enhancing Arab knowledge integration, and employing future tools, which include big data, artificial intelligence, and strategic foresight, in policy analysis and decision-making.
These discussions were aligned with the outcomes of recent Arab summits, notably the Jeddah Summit 2023 and the 33rd Arab Summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, and their recommendation to establish a "knowledge incubator for research and studies in sustainability and economic development".
Participants emphasised that the forum reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to advancing joint Arab action and strengthening the role of thought and scientific research as a core pillar of sustainable development and future policymaking.
At the conclusion of its proceedings, the forum issued a final statement affirming that this intellectual and scientific gathering represents a foundational step toward building an integrated Arab research ecosystem capable of translating knowledge into policy, linking research outputs to national and Arab development needs, and enhancing the presence of Arab think tanks at the regional and international levels.
Participants agreed on the following key outcomes and recommendations:
First, emphasising the importance of building institutional and human capacities within Arab think tanks, particularly in data analysis, policy modeling, and strategic foresight, to enhance their efficiency, effectiveness, and impact.
Second, calling for the expansion of research partnerships at the Arab, national, regional, and international levels, including cooperation with public and private institutions and international think tanks, based on knowledge integration and the presentation of an accurate and balanced image of Arab development priorities, in service of shared national and Arab interests.
Third, encouraging joint Arab research production that reflects local contexts and specificities and offers applicable models and policies suited to the economic, social, and cultural structures of Arab countries.
Fourth, commending the launch of the Arab Think Tanks and Research Network, inaugurated through cooperation between the Gulf Research Center and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, as an Arab framework to strengthen joint research efforts.
Fifth, inviting think tanks to join the Arab Think Tanks and Research Network, given its strategic role in enhancing regional cooperation as an open intellectual initiative that evolves progressively and operates through structured institutional cooperation mechanisms, ensuring the sustainability of dialogue and the exchange of research expertise.
Sixth, calling for the establishment of a joint Arab digital platform comprising an interactive database of research centers and a digital archive of studies and policies related to sustainable development, accessible to researchers and decision-makers.
Seventh, underscoring the need to formulate unified Arab research visions on development and sustainability requirements, grounded in Arab particularities and responsive to contemporary transformations, in line with successive Arab summit calls to strengthen joint Arab intellectual action and shape a comprehensive development discourse.
Finally, the participants highly valued the institutional partnership between Derasat and the General Secretariat of the Arab League, expressing their appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the forum and for the support and organisation that contributed to its success.
They also noted that the forum represents an advanced step toward consolidating an Arab intellectual and research ecosystem that supports sustainable development and future policymaking.
