Manama: The seventh annual forum of the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) was launched under the theme 'The Arab Research Centers Consortium for Sustainability and Development,' held in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Arab League.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event was attended by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, alongside a wide participation of Arab state representatives, heads of think tanks, diplomats, and experts. The opening ceremony began with a speech by Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of Derasat's Board of Trustees. He highlighted Bahrain's pride in hosting this intellectual forum, which reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed expressed gratitude for the Royal patronage of scientific research as an integrated system, and for the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which aim to foster an environment conducive to institutional innovation in support of sustainable development goals.
The Minister noted that Derasat's hosting of the recommendation from the Arab Summit in Bahrain 'to establish an Arab research platform for sustainability and economic development', translates into a practical step toward shaping a new path for collective Arab action. He commended Bahrain's important role, noting the Kingdom as a voice of reason and moderation in the region and a leading advocate for Arab causes.
The Minister emphasised that the forum serves as a strategic platform to establish an Arab intellectual network capable of producing realistic and innovative visions that safeguard Arab identity while shaping a prosperous future. The forum facilitates knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and the launch of initiatives that tangibly improve the lives of Arab citizens, representing the core of the partnership with the Arab League.
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed also highlighted the role of think tanks as laboratories for ideas, platforms for dialogue, and beacons of enlightenment in the face of regional challenges. The Minister also highlighted the significance of launching the documentary book Bahrain and the Arab League: 1971-2025, which chronicles over half a century of strategic partnership based on shared goals and destiny.
He noted that this distinguished relationship has been strengthened by the Royal vision, which recognises the Arab League as the Arab home, a guardian of regional stability and comprehensive cooperation, and a tool for building a secure and prosperous future. The Minister commended Bahrain's engagement in collective Arab action as a demonstration of enduring principles and effective leadership, describing the book as a key reference that reinforces the lasting bonds of Arab unity across generations.
On his part, the Arab League Secretary General commended Bahrain for hosting the forum and lauded the leadership of His Majesty the King. He highlighted Bahrain's long-standing contributions to Arab unity and its role in advancing collective Arab interests, expressing optimism for the future of joint Arab action under a research-driven, development-focused framework.
The book Bahrain and the Arab League: 1971-2025 was subsequently launched with a short film showcasing the documentation of the partnership between Bahrain and the Arab League. The book traces the evolution of relations since 1971, analyses Bahrain's initiatives in Arab collective action, and reviews the speeches of His Majesty the King, emphasising Arab priorities including the Palestinian cause.
Forum sessions feature in-depth discussions on the growing role of think tanks in supporting sustainable development, integrating national solutions into global agendas, and exploring future policy tools such as big data, artificial intelligence, and strategic foresight. The forum is expected to produce recommendations leading to the launch of an 'Arab Intellectual and Development Incubator,' a joint initiative between Derasat and the Arab League Secretariat.