Starting tomorrow, Monday, July 15, 2024, TRENDS Research and Advisory, in partnership with Aletihad News Center, will embark on a five-day research tour in South Africa. The tour includes the official opening of TRENDS’ physical office in Cape Town and organizing the first event in the TRENDS Global Round Table Series – Middle East and Africa, with representatives from major think tanks in the Middle East and Africa participating to discuss and address topics of interest to think tanks in both regions. Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, stated that the research tour in South Africa would be diverse and rich, featuring a global roundtable including key think tanks from Africa and the Middle East. The roundtable aims to explore the relationship between the two regions, foster constructive dialogue with these think tanks, and exchange best practices in public policy planning and management. He added that through its office in Cape Town, TRENDS aims to strengthen scientific and research cooperation with Sub-Saharan African countries. This office complements the existing virtual offices in Cairo and Rabat and is part of a network of physical and virtual offices across seven countries. Dr. Al-Ali pointed out that during the tour, TRENDS researchers will explore cooperation opportunities with South African think tanks. “Africa is a continent with vast growth opportunities and promising development prospects,” he said. “TRENDS believes that enhancing research cooperation with think tanks in this continent is essential to understanding the challenges and opportunities it presents.” Sumaya Al-Hadhrami, Deputy Head of TRENDS Global Sector, revealed details about the TRENDS Global Round Tables Series: Middle East and Africa. She explained that the first event in this series, titled Unlocking the Potential of Think Tanks: New Ideas and Innovative Strategies for Impactful Engagement, will be attended by representatives from leading think tanks in the Middle East and Africa, who have been invited to discuss topics of mutual interest. She outlined that the TRENDS Global Round Table Series aims to analyze the impact of think tanks on public policies and governance, assess and analyze this impact globally, initiate useful dialogues, exchange experiences, generate ideas, and contribute to developing knowledge on key trends, challenges, opportunities, and prospects related to building capacities and enhancing the effectiveness of think tanks in the Middle East and other parts of the world. She added that a reception for the roundtable guests will be held on July 15, 2024, to mark the office’s inauguration. Additionally, podcast episodes will be recorded with several invited speakers from various African countries. Al-Hadhrami mentioned that the tour would dedicate a full day to celebrating the values of peace, freedom, and humanitarian action with Aletihad News Center. This will include visiting Mr. Zondwa Mandela, Chairman of the Mandela Legacy Foundation (Nelson Mandela’s grandson), on Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18, 2024). The team will also visit community development centers affiliated with the Mandela Legacy Foundation.