TRENDS Research & Advisory Engages In 7th Derasat Forum Focused On Sustainability And Development

TRENDS Research & Advisory is set to take part in the 7th "Derasat" Forum. The event, themed "Arab Research Centres Consortium for Sustainability and Development," will be held on 23–24 June 2025 in Manama, Bahrain. Organised by the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), it collaborates with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States.

The forum aims to foster Arab intellectual integration on sustainability issues. It seeks to present a balanced vision for Arab countries to implement ambitious development plans. Amid rapid regional and global changes, challenges arise alongside new opportunities that demand precise analysis and strategic foresight. Think tanks are crucial in aiding policymakers in this regard.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, highlighted that their participation underscores an ongoing strategic research partnership with Derasat. This collaboration has resulted in joint participation in various conferences and workshops, producing scientific recommendations that bolster scholarly research and knowledge dissemination.

Dr. Al-Ali emphasised that the forum will explore think tanks' expanding role in supporting policymakers through informed insights based on comprehensive evaluations. These insights help map development landscapes, identify resources, and anticipate future aspirations and challenges. The forum will also highlight think tanks' responsibility to present strategic visions for sustainable development.

Panel discussions will delve into think tanks' roles in supporting development governance and shaping public policy. Key topics include tools for measuring research impact within sustainability contexts, institutional challenges facing think tanks, and their role in identifying local innovations for broader development models.

Strategic Foresight and Data Analytics

Sessions will also focus on using big data for evidence-based planning and strategic foresight as mechanisms to strengthen policy readiness. The integration of quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform development decisions will be discussed. Building think tank capacity in artificial intelligence and predictive analytics is another focal point.

Dr. Al-Ali added that enduring research partnerships are vital for formulating holistic intellectual frameworks for sustainability goals and their implementation mechanisms. The forum will address how think tanks can translate research into actionable policy, promote evidence-based planning, and design adaptive strategies using foresight and data analytics.

The event promises to examine balancing local realities with global development agendas while addressing institutional funding challenges faced by think tanks. By doing so, it aims to enhance the capacity of these institutions to contribute effectively to sustainable development efforts across the region.

The forum's discussions are expected to yield valuable insights into how think tanks can support policymakers by providing data-driven insights grounded in strategic evaluations. This approach helps map out developmental landscapes while anticipating future challenges and opportunities effectively.

With inputs from WAM