Derasat highlights key achievements
MORE than 45 research papers and special reports were prepared by a Bahrain think-tank last year in a bid to raise awareness on key strategic issues in the GCC and help decision-makers tackle major challenges.
The Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) also launched an e-library, organised discussion sessions on Bahraini and regional issues, created a new directorate for historical studies and opened an energy and environment programme within the studies and research directorate.
“Over the past year, the centre has fulfilled its goals to expand regional and global partnerships and established a constant societal presence with local and global research entities,” Derasat said, while highlighting its achievements, in a statement yesterday.
The think tank also published four books last year, including the Bahrain-Emirati Strategic Partnership: Past Legacy, Present Challenges and Future Prospects in co-operation with the Watani Al Emarat Foundation and An Insight into Bahraini-British Relations During the Reign of Shaikh Hamad bin Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa – the Ruler of Bahrain 1932-1942 by Derasat executive director Dr Hamad Al Abdulla.
Derasat’s Strategic and International Studies Programme director Dr Ashraf Keshk published the other two books, NATO and the Arabian Gulf Countries: An Analysis of the 15-Year Strategic Partnership and Maritime Security of the Arabian Gulf States – Analysis of Current Threats, Confrontation Mechanisms and Future Challenges.
Delegations were also sent to think-tanks in India and South Korea, as well as the US to further explore Bahraini-American partnership prospects and enhance relations between the two countries.
The centre signed agreements with regional and international organisations, such as the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre in Saudi Arabia; the Sultan Qaboos University’s Oman Studies Centre; the Korean Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security; and the International and Comparative Law Research Centre in Moscow as part of efforts to expand research partnerships with global entities.
The centre also conducted seven surveys and opinion polls, in which 22,117 respondents took part. A nationwide survey was organised during the parliamentary and municipal elections, in which the GDN reported that more than 5,000 people participated.
The centre hosted a series of forums last year as part of its awareness initiatives.
The second International Association of Exhibitions and Events Mena Forum assessed economic, developmental and sustainability goals achieved by countries in the region and the GCC. The Bahrain in Aviation: History and Prospects forum held alongside the Bahrain International Airshow highlighted the country’s milestones and pioneering status in aviation.
“The centre remains committed to develop strategic partnerships and initiatives that benefit the GCC and Arab societies in all fields,” it added.
Established in 2009, Derasat aims to enhance the importance of research and studies to cater to the needs of decision-makers in Bahrain and improve their ability to understand current and emerging international developments.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1171260/Derasat-highlights-key-achievements
