During its participation as a strategic knowledge partner in the 21st Arab Media Forum held in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and within the framework of its visit to Lebanon, a delegation from TRENDS Research & Advisory, headed by its CEO, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, held a series of meetings with prominent figures and media institutions aimed at enhancing cooperation in the fields of research, media, and knowledge production.

The delegation met with H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, where discussions focused on the role of Arab media in supporting joint Arab action and raising awareness of current regional issues. During the meeting, Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that cooperation between regional organizations and Arab think tanks contributes to building a comprehensive analytical vision that supports regional stability and sustainable development paths.

Secretary-General Aboul Gheit commended TRENDS’ efforts in producing reliable knowledge, highlighting the importance of utilizing academic research to understand the challenges facing the Arab world and to provide decision-makers with analytical insights and forward-looking perspectives. The TRENDS delegation presented H.E. Aboul Gheit with a selection of the center’s latest research publications, which addressed key regional and global issues.

The delegation also met with Lebanon’s Minister of Information, Dr. Paul Morcos, during which they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between research and media institutions to support knowledge creation and promote public awareness. Minister Morcos praised the role of TRENDS in fostering research dialogue, affirming that the integration between media and research thought represents a cornerstone in developing the Arab media discourse. The TRENDS delegation presented the Minister with several of TRENDS’ latest research publications, highlighting its contributions to thought, public policy, and media studies.

Dialogue with An-Nahar Newspaper

In another engagement, the TRENDS research delegation paid a working visit to the Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar, where an extensive roundtable discussion was held on the importance of partnership between journalism and think tanks in supporting knowledge and enlightening public opinion.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali emphasized that free and independent media are essential partners in promoting objectivity and that collaboration between media institutions and research centers strengthens the development of collective awareness based on understanding and analysis.

Journalist Nabil Bou Monsef, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, An-Nahar Newspaper of An-Nahar, welcomed the TRENDS delegation and praised its pioneering role in producing rigorous academic analyses. he affirmed that the partnership between serious journalism and sound research contributes to enhancing the credibility of Arab media and advancing its intellectual and informative mission.