TRENDS Research & Advisory held a high-level panel discussion with H.E. Counselor Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek, President of the Egyptian Senate, and several Senate leaders and committee undersecretaries. The panel emphasized the pivotal role of research in supporting legislation, think tanks’ contributions to countering extremist narratives and ideologies, and the importance of AI research in anticipating and shaping the future for knowledge-driven progress.

Held at the Egyptian Senate headquarters in Cairo, the session was part of TRENDS’ research events during its fourth participation in the Cairo International Book Fair. The gathering included senators, sector heads, experts, and department directors from TRENDS.

H.E. Counselor Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek, President of the Senate of the Arab Republic of Egypt, welcomed a TRENDS Research & Advisory delegation and expressed his admiration for the Center’s intellectual and research activities in various fields, particularly in AI and advanced technology research.

H.E. Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek highlighted that AI technologies are a foundational pillar in shaping the future. He emphasized that think tanks and research institutions play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of these advanced technologies, fostering innovation, and supporting technological advancement.

He noted that research institutions are not merely knowledge production centers but strategic platforms for foresight and policy formulation to elevate societal progress and achieve sustainable development. Through rigorous scientific research and in-depth analysis, such institutions can identify opportunities and challenges posed by AI technologies and work on leveraging them for societal benefit.

The Senate President affirmed that fostering cooperation between research and legislative institutions will help build an integrated system that promotes innovation and accelerates digital transformation. He welcomed collaborative efforts between the Egyptian Senate and TRENDS in various research, scientific and knowledge fields.

Promoting Innovation and Creativity

Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized TRENDS’ commitment to being at the forefront of research institutions supporting scientific research and purposeful knowledge. He highlighted that in an era of rapid technological advancements, AI has become one of the most significant tools reshaping reality and opening new horizons for research.

Developing Smart Solutions

Dr. Al-Ali stressed that research centers, scientific institutions, and think tanks are essential in harnessing AI technology for humanity’s benefit by analyzing big data and developing smart solutions to tackle contemporary and future challenges. He pointed out that AI is not merely an innovative technology but a knowledge tool that contributes to sustainable development, intellectual security, and building knowledge-driven societies — objectives TRENDS seeks to achieve by integrating AI into scientific research and purposeful knowledge initiatives.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali highlighted the importance of addressing the threat posed by extremist and terrorist groups exploiting AI technologies to spread their destructive ideologies and undermine the region’s security and stability. He stressed the need for collaboration between research institutions and legislative bodies in countering these threats and setting the intellectual and legislative frameworks to confront them.

Dr. Sama Suleiman, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Committee at the Egyptian Senate, affirmed the Senate’s belief in the importance of collaboration with think tanks and research institutions. Such partnerships provide valuable studies, research, and consultations that support decision-making and form the backbone of public policy.

She noted that the Egyptian Senate and TRENDS had agreed to move forward with signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at producing specialized research and studies, particularly in AI, advanced technologies, combating extremism and terrorism, and other collaborative areas that address current global issues.

After the session, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali presented H.E. Counselor Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek with the TRENDS Research Medal, recognizing his role in supporting scientific research and extensive expertise in the legislative and legal fields.