MANAMA: Media is a crucial for thinktanks and research centers to achieve their objectives, says HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa Chairman DERASAT.
HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman DERASAT Board of Directors, applauded the role of media and think tanks being the vital part of formulating the national and strategic policies of various countries.
“The role of think tanks is becoming more and more significant in line with the role of thinktanks in formulation of the policies globally in wake of the many changes taking place and for us especially in the in this part of the world especially the Arab world to see what role thinktanks can play through co-operation among various think tanks and other such institutions. This Forum will benefit from the deliberations of the experts and how collectively think tanks can make an impact on achieving objectives of policies,” HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa Chairman DERASAT, on the sidelines of the Forum, told the reporters.
The Bahrain Center for Strategic and International Studies and Energy Studies (DERASAT) 2nd Forum titled “The Role of Research Centers and their Impact on Middle East Policies” which held at Sofitel Hotel has attracted over 300 delegates from across the Middle East and North African (MENA) region.
A distinguished panel of experts including senior officials, intellectuals, academia and media, as well as experts and specialists, and representatives of prestigious international organizations, led by the United Nations and the International Peace Institute deliberated on all major issues currently faced by the region. The role of media and co-operation between the thinktanks and research institutions across MENA have been key highlights of the discussions during the one-day Forum which was divided into four sessions.
“The input of research institutes has helped in formulating vibrant policies on energy or economy for that matter. That’s why the co-operation and mutual assistance for sharing the knowledge and expertise id very important as no single country or an institute can help in achieving objectives. DERASAT has always been looking forward to have partnership and wider approach when it comes to organising events, sharing knowledge base and expertise for the collective benefit of the region,” HE Shaikh Abdulla added.
Talking of the role of media, HE Shaikh Abdulla said, media has been integral part of DERASAT approach and large participation of broad spectrum of media at the 2nd DERASAT Forum speaks volume of the importance of media.
“There have been some precautions about media participation in some events but nevertheless, media offers immense opportunities to reach local, regional and international audiences,” HE Shaikh Abdulla said.
“I believe without the participation of media we will never been able to achieve our goals successfully,” he said.
