The Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) has inaugurated seventh edition of Derasat Forum under the theme ‘The Arab Research Centers Consortium for Sustainability and Development’.
Held in partnership with the General Secretariat of the Arab League, 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 of Derasat Forum 2025 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. The minister 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 praised the Royal patronage of scientific research and the directives of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, fostering innovation and supporting sustainable development goals. He noted that Derasat’s hosting of the Arab Summit recommendation to establish an Arab research platform advances collective Arab action, highlighting Bahrain as a voice of moderation and a key advocate for Arab causes.
The Derasat Forum provides a strategic platform to build an Arab intellectual network that develops innovative visions, promotes knowledge exchange, and launches initiatives benefiting Arab societies. Think tanks were highlighted as hubs for ideas, dialogue, and regional problem-solving.
Image credits: BNA | Cropped by GBN
The Minister also marked the launch of Bahrain and the Arab League: 1971–2025, documenting over five decades of partnership strengthened by the Royal vision, which positions the Arab League as a cornerstone of stability and cooperation.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Arab League Secretary General, commended Bahrain for hosting the Derasat 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.
Major sessions at Derasat Forum
Derasat Forum sessions focused on think tanks’ role in sustainable development, integrating national solutions into global agendas, and exploring tools like big data, AI, and strategic foresight. The forum is set to recommend the launch of an ‘Arab Intellectual and Development Incubator’, a joint Derasat–Arab League initiative to strengthen research collaboration and support practical policy development for future challenges.
The book Bahrain and the Arab League: 1971–2025 was launched alongside a short film documenting over five decades of Bahrain-Arab League partnership, key initiatives, and major milestones, including the 33rd Arab Summit and the 2025 Cairo Summit, with rare documents and photos.
