Today's Edition
By Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali*
One of the most crucial roles of advanced think-tanks, which strive to keep pace with their counterparts in developed countries, lies in their ability to build bridges of dialogue and discussion with peer institutions, decision-makers, and governmental and academic organisations.
They aim to comprehend and absorb trends in global public opinion and the rapid geopolitical and geostrategic transformations, especially in recent times.
Additionally, they are tasked with translating theories, ideas and concepts into realistic, actionable visions that assist policymakers in formulating strategies and making informed decisions based on credible facts, data and information.At the same time, these think-tanks serve as knowledge mediators and idea incubators, leveraging rigorous scientific research methodologies. Guided by these visions, TRENDS Research & Advisory participated as a contributing member at the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai for the third consecutive year. Its participation focused on "Foreseeing Future Governments" amidst major strategic global changes, supporting international efforts to formulate joint strategic frameworks that enhance stability and contribute to global development and prosperity.
Since youth represent an enormous human resource, investing in their potential through education, training, scientific research, and skill development to keep up with global changes will increase opportunities for nations, especially by overcoming the challenges they face. TRENDS took part in the fourth edition of the Arab Meeting for Young Leaders, organised by the Arab Youth Centre in collaboration with the WGS, under the theme "Made in the Arab World: Arab Identity, Global Impact". The gathering reflected a collective understanding that youth in the UAE are a cornerstone of development, with the country offering an inspiring model in this regard. The UAE remains keen on exchanging experiences with other nations in youth empowerment, aiming to deepen its journey and share valuable lessons.
Furthermore, at TRENDS, we have our own rich experience in youth empowerment. Approximately 60% of our research workforce consists of young people, many of whom lead various research programmes. We also have multiple initiatives such as the TRENDS Youth Council for Scientific Research, the first platform of its kind dedicated to supporting young researchers.
TRENDS offers specialised training programmes for youth in scientific research and media in collaboration with leading global research and academic institutions. The presence of youth in the intellectual and research landscape is significant, with young researchers authoring about 263 research studies among the Center's publications.
Additionally, we place great emphasis on addressing youth-related issues in the Middle East and around the world, recognising that today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. Investing in them ensures the development of generations capable of making a positive impact globally and moving towards a brighter future.The WGS showcased the best global practices in governance, governmental development, and youth empowerment. Guided by its global vision, TRENDS is actively contributing to youth and community empowerment, enabling them to anticipate and shape the future. This commitment aims to achieve optimal outcomes that empower governments to invest in human capital, leveraging their potential to the fullest.
TRENDS' participation in international activities is a result of a long-standing conviction in the value of dialogue with global partners. By showcasing research outcomes at global knowledge forums that bring together world leaders, policymakers, experts, academics, and researchers, TRENDS aims to maximise the impact of its research findings and objective studies for the benefit of countries worldwide.
During the summit, TRENDS held research dialogues with several ministers, diplomats, and officials from the UAE and other participating nations, focusing on the role of scientific research in supporting governance, youth empowerment, knowledge dissemination, cultural diplomacy, future foresight, and public policy.
In line with the global discussions on the future of artificial intelligence, TRENDS published a book at the summit titled "Towards a Better Future: AI Governance and Legalisation". This book addresses the challenges posed by rapid AI advancements, particularly generative and adaptive AI, recommending the establishment of regulatory frameworks that balance the advantages of these technologies while mitigating their risks through ethical and legal guidelines.
The WGS serves as a unique platform for thought leaders, experts, and decision-makers from around the world, fostering dialogue between think-tanks and global policymakers. As scientific research is the cornerstone of sustainable policy development and future foresight, TRENDS' participation underscores its commitment to supporting research pathways, exchanging knowledge and experiences with international participants, enhancing public policy and governance, and tackling challenges with innovative solutions to shape a more prosperous and sustainable future.
*The writer is the Chief Executive Officer of TRENDS Research & Advisory
