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More than 24 intellectual dialogues that brought together over 2,500 participants including experts were organised last year by a Bahraini think tank.
The Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International, and Energy Studies (Derasat) continued its academic, research and knowledge-based programmes, as well as its strategic initiatives throughout 2024.
“Derasat hosted over 24 intellectual dialogues, bringing together more than 2,500 participants, including academics and experts, to discuss key topics such as military technology, digital transformation, trade disputes, health, foreign policy and strategic planning,” said a statement by the think tank yesterday.
The centre also published two journal editions on ‘Maritime Security’ and ‘GCC Dynamics’, underscoring its commitment to addressing regional security challenges.
These efforts reinforced its position as a leading regional research institution and a key partner to national entities.
The centre achieves this through studies, research, dialogues and projects in collaboration with international organisations, think tanks and academic institutions.
Derasat successfully conducted a series of insightful lectures as part of its “Think Talk” series throughout 2024.
The diverse line-up of lectures addressed important topics such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, geopolitical dynamics and sustainability.
Furthermore, last year Derasat signed co-operation agreements with local and international institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and expertise in research, training and development.
Notable partnerships include agreements with Arabian Gulf University, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, alongside engagements with United Nations entities.
“These collaborations enhanced Derasat’s contributions to supporting decision-makers through in-depth studies and analyses in political, security, social, economic and energy fields, addressing regional and global challenges,” it added.
One of the centre’s key initiatives was signing an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to prepare the ‘2026 National Human Development Report’ focusing on digital transformation.
The report highlights Bahrain’s achievements in electronic services, leveraging digital technologies to improve public services, enhance economic diversification and empower citizens in the digital age.
In support of environmental protection and sustainable development, Derasat launched the ‘Green Houses of Worship’ programme in co-operation with the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence.
This initiative encourages places of worship in Bahrain to install solar panels and adopt alternative energy sources while raising awareness about the importance of investing in renewable energy to align with national energy plans.
The centre also contributed to the establishment of the China-Arab Think Tank Alliance in Shanghai, organised specialised lectures featuring officials and experts from China on bilateral relations and international issues, and continued its collaborations with research and academic institutions in Japan and beyond.
Derasat researchers actively participated in local and international events, including conferences and workshops.
“They collaborated with global experts on pressing issues, contributed articles to local and international media on strategic topics, and bolstered the centre’s standing as a prominent regional and global think tank.”
The centre aims to continue its innovative initiatives in strategic, economic, energy, environmental, and digital transformation fields while anticipating future challenges in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
Derasat was set up in 2009 dedicated to encouraging the use of research and dialogue to inform policy makers and interest groups and to increase understanding of current and emerging international issues.
Overall, it has published since its inception more than 2,600 research papers and over 40 international and regional partnerships.
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