The seventh annual forum of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat Forum), held in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Arab League, has concluded under the theme ‘The Arab Research Centers Consortium for Sustainability and Development’.
The Derasat Forum was attended by representatives of Arab countries, heads of think tanks, diplomats, experts, and researchers from across the Arab world.
The conclusion of Derasat Forum 2025 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.
The discussions aligned with the outcomes of recent Arab summits, including the Jeddah Summit 2023 and the 33rd Arab Summit hosted by Bahrain, which called for establishing a knowledge incubator for sustainability and economic development research.
Participants noted that the Derasat Forum reflects Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to advancing joint Arab action and reinforcing scientific research as a pillar of sustainable development and future policymaking.
In its final statement, the forum affirmed that the gathering marks a key step toward building an integrated Arab research ecosystem that translates knowledge into policy, aligns research with development priorities, and strengthens the regional and global presence of Arab think tanks.
Image credits: BNA | Cropped by GBN
Key outcomes and recommendations at Derasat Forum
Strengthen institutional and human capacities in Arab think tanks, especially in data analysis, policy modeling, and strategic foresight.
Expand research partnerships at Arab, regional, and international levels with public, private, and global institutions.
Promote joint Arab research reflecting local contexts and offering practical policy models.
Welcome the launch of the Arab Think Tanks and Research Network as a framework for joint research cooperation.
Encourage think tanks to join the network to enhance dialogue, expertise exchange, and sustainable cooperation.
Establish a unified Arab digital platform featuring a database of research centers and a digital archive on sustainability.
Develop unified Arab research visions on development and sustainability aligned with regional priorities and global changes.
Participants praised the partnership between Derasat and the Arab League’s General Secretariat and thanked Bahrain for hosting and supporting the forum’s successful organization.
They highlighted that the forum marks a significant step in strengthening an Arab intellectual and research ecosystem that advances sustainable development and informs future policymaking.
