TRENDS Research and Advisory has launched its research tour in Argentina, organized through its Latin America Office, with a series of panel discussions and intellectual meetings in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. These engagements included the National Foreign Service Institute at the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Middle East and North Africa Affairs Department at the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretariat of International Affairs at the Argentine Ministry of Defense, the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), and the UAE Embassy in Argentina.
TRENDS explored with these institutions opportunities for cooperation, research partnerships, and scientific and knowledge exchange in areas of shared interest. The discussions are part of the Center’s broader efforts to open new avenues of cooperation and partnership with international think tanks, research institutions and academic entities, and coincide with TRENDS’ first-ever participation in the Buenos Aires International Book Fair.
Specialized Training Programs
TRENDS met with Mr. Marcelo Bufetti, Director of the National Foreign Service Institute (ISEN), affiliated with the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss mechanisms for enhancing economic cooperation between the MENA region and Latin America, particularly in the fields of food security, climate change and technology. Both parties also exchanged views on the latest developments in issues concerning the two regions, as well as ways to achieve stability and prosperity for their peoples. The meeting also explored opportunities for research cooperation between ISEN and TRENDS, particularly in the area of specialized training programs offered by the TRENDS International Training Institute.
AI Transformations
TRENDS also engaged with officials from the Secretariat of International Affairs at the Argentine Ministry of Defense to explore opportunities for cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence, an increasingly central driver of technological, economic and social transformations in the modern era. Scientific research is key to understanding and harnessing these transformations in service of society and sustainable development goals.
TRENDS researchers presented the Center’s pivotal role in investigating the transformative impacts of AI across various sectors. TRENDS recently launched a dedicated AI research program that produces forward-looking studies and analytical papers exploring AI technologies and their applications in healthcare, education, security, the economy, and beyond. The aim is to deepen understanding of how AI can be leveraged to foster innovation and advance science and knowledge.
Supporting Stability and Development
In a related discussion, TRENDS held a panel discussion with officials from the Department of Middle East and North Africa Affairs at the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussion focused on key issues, crises and developments across the MENA region, as well as the position of Argentina’s foreign ministry on these rapid changes. It also underscored support for initiatives aimed at promoting stability and development in the region.
TRENDS researchers and experts participated in the discussion, alongside Ms. Ana Peñaloza, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Department; Mr. Joaquín Rueda, Administrative Secretary; and Ms. Agata Zaldivar from the Africa and Middle East Economic Relations Department. The panel discussion also addressed potential avenues for joint cooperation between the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TRENDS in various research domains.
Interreligious Dialogue
As part of its research tour in Argentina, TRENDS Research & Advisory held a discussion session with officials from the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), which comprises 23 member states from the Iberian countries Europe and the Americas.
The session highlighted the importance of interreligious dialogue and the promotion of a culture of coexistence, tolerance, understanding, and collaboration among different religions and cultures. It underscored how interreligious dialogue, peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect can contribute to stability and peace in multicultural societies.
Research and Knowledge Cooperation
additionally, TRENDS took part in an expanded panel discussion hosted by His Excellency Saeed Abdullah Al Qamzi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Argentina, with the participation of heads of think tanks and experts from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The discussion emphasized the importance of research partnership between TRENDS and Latin American think tanks and research institutions, with the aim of deepening joint cooperation with this vital region. It also highlighted the importance of economic partnerships between the Arabian Gulf region and Latin America, while TRENDS and the UAE Embassy explored potential collaboration in research and knowledge areas of mutual interest.
Understanding Challenges and Opportunities
Commenting on the discussions held during the first day of TRENDS’ research tour in Argentina, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized that think tanks and research institutions play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of tolerance and coexistence, strengthening international relations, and addressing global issues and crises. He noted that through rigorous studies, objective analyses, and evidence-based assessments, these institutions provide a clearer understanding of regional and international challenges and opportunities, while offering insights into their future developments.
Dr. Al-Ali also said that think tanks serve as platforms for dialogue, building bridges of understanding, communication, and interaction among experts and specialists worldwide. This, he added, promotes a culture of dialogue and the exchange of ideas and perspectives, while also strengthens trust and effective cooperation in strategic, economic, intellectual, and environmental matters.
He reaffirmed TRENDS’ commitment to expanding cooperation and partnership with think tanks across Latin America, fostering mutual understanding and exploring shared concerns. This includes exchange of knowledge, expertise, and experts, in addition to organizing joint dialogues and discussions on common economic, political, and social issues and challenges.
The UAE’s Sole Participation
TRENDS Research & Advisory is taking part for the first time in the 49th edition of the Buenos Aires International Book Fair. It is the only participating entity from the United Arab Emirates. Its participation continues until April 24, 2025, at the exhibition grounds in Palermo, Buenos Aires.
Rawda Al Marzouqi, Director of Distribution and Exhibitions Department at TRENDS, said that the Center’s knowledge stand (No. 5003 in the Red Pavilion) showcases hundreds of translated books, research papers, and studies covering a wide range of economic, political, and technological topics. She added that TRENDS is hosting a series of knowledge events and intellectual dialogues on the sidelines of the Fair, bringing together experts, academics, and research professionals.
