-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali: TRENDS has demonstrated pioneering research and developed its model to support sustainable development efforts

During its participation in the Seventh Annual Forum of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), TRENDS Research & Advisory emphasized the critical role of think tanks in advancing sustainable development agendas. TRENDS highlighted the need to translate academic research and scientific studies into actionable public policies that strengthen sustainability efforts, while moving beyond analysis and diagnosis toward delivering tangible impact on the broader path of comprehensive Arab development.

The Seventh Derasat Forum was held in Manama, Bahrain, under the theme The Arab Research Centers Consortium for Sustainability and Development, in partnership with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States. The forum was attended by H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Derasat, along with a distinguished group of heads of think tanks, senior officials, and Arab experts.

From Knowledge to Impact

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, took part in the forum’s first session, titled Arab Think Tanks and Sustainable Development: From Knowledge to Impact. In his contribution, he focused on two points: the strategic importance of think tanks in supporting sustainable development agendas, and TRENDS’ experience in advancing sustainability through applied research.

Dr. Al-Ali noted that the value of think tanks and research institutions has been widely acknowledged for many years. Their role has evolved from analyzing phenomena and challenges and offering policy recommendations to anticipating future trends and understanding their trajectories. Today, he emphasized, think tanks have become active partners in shaping the future, supporting policymakers in designing and refining forward-looking strategies across a broad range of sectors.

Supporting Development Policies

Dr. Al-Ali explained that think tanks today have emerged as key actors in advancing sustainable development, serving as a bridge between academic research and policymaking, transforming knowledge into practical support for development policies. He stressed that the role of think tanks goes beyond producing theoretical recommendations detached from reality; instead, they are increasingly expected to offer implementable alternatives and workable solutions. While rigorous research remains essential, he noted that a think tank’s effectiveness ultimately depends on its ability to exert positive influence on public policy by translating research findings into efficient, results-oriented programs and practices.

He added that today’s decision-makers require concise, clearly articulated messages, presented in accessible language, to support timely and effective decision-making. Building trust with both government and non-government stakeholders, he emphasized, is a fundamental condition for sustaining cooperation and achieving real impact on the ground.

Dr. Al-Ali also observed that the contemporary development landscape has become highly complex and competitive, necessitating a reassessment of planning tools and policy design. This includes adopting integrated solutions that address the interconnected dimensions of development, developing a nuanced understanding of the local, regional, and international contexts in which development unfolds, and keeping pace with global changes through flexible and adaptive policies and strategies.

He further underscored the importance of harnessing rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy, while cautioning that success depends not on merely consuming these technologies, but on actively contributing to their development and production.

TRENDS’ Experience in Supporting Sustainable Development

Reflecting on TRENDS’ experience in promoting sustainable development, Dr. Al-Ali noted that over more than a decade, TRENDS has developed a pioneering research track record and built its own distinctive model for supporting sustainable development efforts. This has been achieved through the production of research and studies that directly inform sustainability-oriented policies.

TRENDS’ research programs, he explained, have focused on shaping policy frameworks that support sustainability, including studies on the circular and knowledge economies. TRENDS has also placed strong emphasis on convening events that explore ways to strengthen development efforts. To this end, the Center has organized dozens of international conferences, symposia, and workshops dedicated to knowledge-based development, while also addressing technological transformations that reinforce sustainability.

He further highlighted TRENDS’ substantive contributions to the success of major international sustainability-related events, as well as its role in building bridges and partnerships that facilitate the exchange of expertise in this field. Through its globally distributed research partnerships, TRENDS has delivered a wide range of advisory studies to support institutions in designing and implementing their development plans.

In addition, TRENDS has developed specialized platforms for disseminating sustainability-related knowledge. These include the TRENDS Knowledge platform, which focuses on public awareness and the dissemination of insights related to development issues, as well as an AI platform dedicated to advancing understanding of artificial intelligence and its role in supporting sustainable development. Dr. Al-Ali noted that TRENDS has established a dedicated AI Studies Department and launched an independent research program on technology and artificial intelligence, recognizing them as among the most critical drivers of future development.

TRENDS Honored

H.E. Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Derasat, honored TRENDS Research & Advisory for its role in harnessing knowledge and scientific research to advance sustainable development efforts.

On the sidelines of the forum, the TRENDS delegation also held a series of meetings with senior officials, heads of think tanks, and experts participating in the 7th Derasat Forum to explore opportunities for joint research and knowledge cooperation.