The 3rd Derasat Forum
Derasat’s Third Annual Forum was held online from 24th to 26th November, 2020, titled, “The Role of Think Tanks in Supporting National Efforts: Countering the Coronavirus Pandemic and Implications”. The Forum discussed the role of regional and international think-tank in researching and analyzing the impacts and future challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and provided a platform to discuss best practices and lessons learned.
Derasat Third Annual Forum (Virtual Edition)
The Role of Think Tanks in Supporting National Efforts: Combatting the Repercussions of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Forum Theme – Overview
The Covid-19 pandemic posed a monumental challenge to all countries, taken by surprise at the rapid global spread of the virus and at the magnitude of the repercussions, which affected all aspects of life: politics, the economy, security, and social well-being. The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) has envisioned a space in its third annual forum, to discuss the regional and global role that think tanks play in researching and analysing the development and implications of the pandemic. In doing so, Derasat Center strives to set the stage to showcase and discuss the best practices
implemented, and the most valuable lessons learned during this period; thus implying that researchers and their empirical efforts – and in turn their respective think tanks – are viewed as important contributors to finding solutions and better understanding national and global crises. Amid the diverse approaches between countries in facing the challenges of the pandemic, national governments took center stage as they mobilised national resources to counter and deal with the
impacts. Think Tanks have likewise performed a crucial role, whether through publishing analytical reports and scientific articles to better inform decision makers, or by holding discussions, debates and events to raise awareness. The repercussions of the pandemic will be felt for years to come, despite the implementation of stimulus packages, mitigation plans and national recovery strategies. The impact of the pandemic demands formulating integrated strategies to address these challenges in the short, medium, and long terms. Moving forward, country strategies will require evidence-based research, to identify and assess the broad impacts of the pandemic on socio-economic and security aspects. Research should include analyses of country case studies addressing the main challenges they faced. The features of a strategy to cope with the post-pandemic era require a dialogue at all levels. One that brings together research centres and national organisations, to share their visions based on
their experiences in dealing with this crisis, deriving lessons currently learned, and aimed towards producing a comprehensive and adaptable plan. A plan that should consider resources, roles, and challenges, in a holistic national perspective.
Speakers in Program Order
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat). Shaikh Abdullah also holds the post of Deputy Secretary General of the Supreme Defense Council, in addition to serving as Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, a post he has held since August 2015. Previously Shaikh Abdulla held the post of Director General for External Communications (2014) at the Information Affairs Authority, during which he played a pivotal role in drawing up and implementing a strategy for strengthening the country’s national communications and public engagement. Shaikh Abdulla was awarded a PhD in International Relations and Diplomacy from the École des Hautes Études Internationales, France. In 2008, he earned a Master of Law (LLM) from Queen Mary College, University of London, UK, focusing on negotiation and mediation. He also holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) (Honours) from the Applied Science University, Jordan.
Dr. Abdulaziz Sager
A Saudi strategic expert specializing in international politics and regional security issues, he is the founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center. Dr. Sager has also been a visiting professor in a number of universities, in addition to being member of various councils, advisory and academic committees, institutes and international research centers. He participates in international and regional conferences that discuss issues pertaining to the Gulf region. Notably, he has authored and edited numerous publications and has many articles in local and international newspapers related to Gulf affairs and regional issues, and he frequently contributes to major international media outlets. He is also the editor-in-chief of “Araa” a monthly Arabic-language magazine focused on Gulf affairs and is the editor-in-chief of “The Gulf Yearbook.” Dr. Sager holds a PhD in politics and international relations from Lancaster University, a master’s degree from the University of Kent, and a bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Economics and Administration at King Abdulaziz University.
Dr. Fahad M. Alturki
Dr. Fahad Alturki is Vice President of Research at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC). He is also the Chair of T20 Saudi Arabia, a G20 engagement group. Fahad is a board member of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and an independent member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center and the General Authority of Statistics. He is also a founding board member of the Saudi Financial Association. He was the chief economist and head of research at the Jadwa Investment Company. Fahad has over 20 years’ experience in economics, including as the chief economist at Barclays Saudi Arabia, an economic specialist at the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority, and an economist at the Middle East and Central Asia Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He holds a B.A. in Business Administration from King Saud University and Master and Ph.D. degrees in economics from the University of Oregon.
Dr. Fahad Al-Orabi Al-Harthi
Dr. Fahad Al Orabi Al Harthi is the President and the founder and owner of Asbar Centre for Studies, Research and Communications since 1994. The centre aims to contribute to the development of society and to enhancing institutional efficiency and effectiveness through emphasizing the importance of research as the best means for decision-making. He is the Chairman of the Asbar World Forum. The purpose of the Forum is to provide a high level of understanding of the issues associated with transitioning the Kingdom’s oil-based economy to a knowledge-based economy, identifying the relationship between the knowledge society and sustainable development, and the role of knowledge in raising the efficiency of the productive and service sectors and their absorptive capacity to transforming knowledge into economy. Dr. Al Harthi is also the Chairman of Asbar Convention (think thank), which includes 100 intellectuals from different political and social backgrounds, whose purpose is to deepen knowledge of the latest events and society issues, promoting the values of dialogue and exchanging opinions between intellectual and cultural elites. He is also a member of the Saudi Shura (Legislative Council) since its first session held in 1993, and a member in other prestigious organizations and committees. He holds a PhD in Human Sciences and Literature, from the Université de La Sorbonne, Paris, France, with First Honours, and has published a number of research papers, studies and essays published in various scientific newspapers and journals (academic and non-academic).
Dr. Mustafa Al Sayed
Dr. Fahad Al Orabi Al Harthi is the President and the founder and owner of Asbar Centre for Studies, Research and Communications since 1994. The centre aims to contribute to the development of society and to enhancing institutional efficiency and effectiveness through emphasizing the importance of research as the best means for decision-making. He is the Chairman of the Asbar World Forum. The purpose of the Forum is to provide a high level of understanding of the issues associated with transitioning the Kingdom’s oil-based economy to a knowledge-based economy, identifying the relationship between the knowledge society and sustainable development, and the role of knowledge in raising the efficiency of the productive and service sectors and their absorptive capacity to transforming knowledge into economy. Dr. Al Harthi is also the Chairman of Asbar Convention (think thank), which includes 100 intellectuals from different political and social backgrounds, whose purpose is to deepen knowledge of the latest events and society issues, promoting the values of dialogue and exchanging opinions between intellectual and cultural elites. He is also a member of the Saudi Shura (Legislative Council) since its first session held in 1993, and a member in other prestigious organizations and committees. He holds a PhD in Human Sciences and Literature, from the Université de La Sorbonne, Paris, France, with First Honours, and has published a number of research papers, studies and essays published in various scientific newspapers and journals (academic and non-academic).
Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Abdulla
SESSION CHAIR
Dr. Hamad Abdulla was appointed Executive Director of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) as of October 2020. Previously he was an Assistant Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at the Social Sciences Department, College of Arts, University of Bahrain. Prior to this he worked as a Media Specialist at the General Secretariat for the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Over the years, he has published a number of works, including “Ettore Muti: The Legend of Fascist Italy,” (2010); “Samuel Zwemer: The Encounter of Christianity with Islam,” (2011); “Charles Belgrave under the shades of Siwa Oasis,” (2012); “Bahrain’s English Newspapers: an Illustrated History,” (2014) and “Bahrain’s Sovereignty in the Qatar Peninsula and Britain’s Stance (1935-1949),” in the Annal of the Centre for Bahrain Studies at the University of Bahrain. Dr. Hamad has participated as a speaker in a number of conferences and published academic papers and research including a paper titled, “The Qatari Military Aggression against Al-Zubarah in 1937” in a Derasat conference (2018) on, “Al-Khalifa Rule in the Qatar Peninsula: History and Sovereignty.” Dr. Abdulla received his B.Sc. and MA in Mass Communication and Ph.D. in History from the University of East Anglia in the UK in 2016.
Speakers in Program Order
Dr. Ebtesam al-Ketbi
President and Founder of the Emirates Policy Center, which is one of the most important think tanks in the Arab World, Dr. al-Ketbi is a Professor of Political Science at the United Arab Emirates University. In recognition of her role and the great respect she enjoys as part of the distinguished elite in the UAE and the Gulf region, Dr. al-Ketbi was appointed in 2015 as member of the Consultative Commission of the Cooperation Council of the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC). She was also chosen in 2018 in the list of 50 Most Influential Women in the Arab World. In 2019, Dr. al-Ketbi received the Women Super Achiever Award during the World Women Leadership Congress.
Dr. Mohammed Ben Hammou
Dr. Mohammed Benhammou is the elected President of the African Federation for Strategic Studies, and an international expert on security and strategic questions. He is also the president of the Moroccan Center for Strategic Studies. He is a former professor of political sciences in the University Mohammed V-Souissi of Rabat, Morocco, as well as the École Nationale d’Administration Publique of Rabat, Morocco. He is a former vice-dean of the faculty of Law of Salé in Morocco, and former vice-president of the International Organization “Trainer Without Borders”, in charge of the international network of experts and consultants. He was the CEO and founder of the Moroccan Association of Alumni of the E.N.A of Paris, and the founder member of the Mediterranean Network for the Democracy headquartered in Cairo, and the founder member of the Arabic Democrats Network. He is a holder of a PhD of Law and has received numerous rewards for his works.
Dr. Saud Al-Sarhan
Dr. Saud Al-Sarhan heads the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh as its Secretary General and supervises research at the Center. He obtained his PhD from the College of Social Sciences and International Studies at the University of Exeter in the UK, where he is now an Honorary Research Fellow and is also a Distinguished International Affairs Fellow at the National Council on US-Arab Relations. Washington DC., USA. His research interests include political and social changes in the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Syria; the ideology of political Islamic groups; violence and its justifications in Islamic ideology.
Dr. Sami Ben Jannet
Mr. Sami bin Jannat is the Director-General of the Tunisian Institute for Strategic Studies, where he sets the course for and supervises research missions, and envisions futurist approaches to various national and international events, developments, and phenomena. He oversees a dual cooperation with the Tunisian University to derive intellect and knowledge, and with the government for experience and competence, in order to offer practical perceptions, and present realistic and applicable proposals. He previously held positions at the Public Financial Monitoring Authority, and the National Agency for Tobacco and Matchsticks. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Legal, Political and Social Sciences, and higher degrees in public administration, with focus on the evaluation of public policies.
Dr. Ashraf Mohammed Keshk
SESSION CHAIR
Dr Keshk is a Research Fellow and Director of International & Strategic Studies with Derasat. His research specializes in Arab Gulf security, particularly regional and international alliances. He is also an academic and previous research fellow at the NATO Defence College in Rome, from where he holds a Diploma in Defence Studies. Previously he was Director of the Diplomatic Center for Strategic Studies in Egypt (Cairo branch) and before this was a researcher for the Egyptian Parliament and for the Gulf Center for Strategic Studies in Cairo, specializing in regional and Gulf security. Dr. Keshk has authored several books, including The Evolution of Regional Security in the Gulf: A Study on the Impact of NATO Strategy (1st edition 2012, 2nd edition 2015), Western Policies towards Arab Gulf Security (2014) and published numerous studies in scientific journals at the regional and international levels in Arabic, English and Italian. Dr Keshk regularly contributes studies and articles to the Al Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, Egypt and has supervised and authored many analyses on strategic and security issues. He has participated in a number of international conferences on Arab Gulf security and NATO policies, including the annual Conference of the Gulf Research Center at The University of Cambridge and conferences in European countries. He obtained his BSc in Political Science and his PhD (distinction) from Cairo University, which focused on NATOS’ strategy towards Arab Gulf security. He is a subject matter expert in crisis management and has been teaching higher education students at security academies, in addition to providing training courses to entities inside and outside the of Bahrain on both crisis and disaster management.
Speakers in Program Order
Mr. Stefano Pettinato
Mr. Stefano Pettinato is the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Before that, he served as UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Bahrain in 2017 and 2018. His career at UNDP has included assignments as Deputy Resident Representative for El Salvador and Belize, Regional Policy Adviser on Social Policy and Human Development at UNDP’s Regional Centre in Panama and the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean in New York, and Policy Adviser in UNDP’s Human Development Report Office. He co-authored the 2003 and 2004 editions of the Global Human Development Report. Before joining UNDP, Mr. Pettinato worked at the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. He also served as a Research Fellow at the Brookings Institution, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and as a consultant at SWIFT. He is co-author of the book “Happiness and Hardship: Opportunity and Insecurity in New Market Economies” with Carol Graham (Brookings Press, 2002) and has published several articles and book chapters on poverty, inequality, subjective well-being, and social security reform. Mr. Pettinato graduated summa cum laude in Development and Public Economics from the University of Florence and obtained a second Master’s Degree in International Economics from the Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Mazen Ali
Dr. Mazen Ali is Director of the Media Center at the University of Bahrain. He completed his MSc and PhD in Information Systems from University of Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Ali is President of ISACA Bahrain Chapter and also serves as a board member at the Bahrain Information Technology Society (BITS). Dr. Ali is an active mentor, contributor and speaker, participating in both local and international conferences and is involved in a number of initiatives related to leveraging the power of youth. His research has been published in various international conferences and journals. Dr. Ali has also received various awards for his work. In 2010, he received the best paper award at Australasian Conference on Information Systems (ACIS) held in Brisbane, Australia. Thanks to the instrumental work he has developed inside ISACA Bahrain, the Chapter received in 2018 the best Innovative Chapter Program Award from ISACA International for training students and fresh graduates in IT governance.
Dr. Sabah AlMomin
Dr. Sabah AlMomin is a Senior Research Scientist at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). She holds a PhD in genetic engineering from University of Surrey, United Kingdom. She is one of the pioneers in the field of genetic engineering and biotechnology in Kuwait and has introduced and worked on several advanced technologies, such as the development of diagnostic DNA probes, recombinant vaccines, embryo transfer and transgenic organisms. Currently, Dr. AlMomin is leading an ambitious government initiative to establish a National Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Dr. AlMomin is an elected fellow of the prestigious organization, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) in Italy. She is a certified professional in biorisk management from the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA), USA. She has been involved in establishing regional biosafety and biosecurity in the MENA region. Dr. AlMomin is an advisory member of the Organization of Women in Science in the Developing Countries (OWSD).
Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli
SESSION CHAIR
Omar Al-Ubaydli is the Director of Studies and Research and Director of Economics & Energy Studies at Derasat in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His research interests include political economy, experimental economics, and the economics of the GCC countries. Dr. Al-Ubaydli previously served as a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Joint Advisory Board of Economists and as Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. He regularly publishes his research in international peer-reviewed academic journals, and his mainstream media articles appear in Arabic and English-language newspapers and blogs such as AlHayat, The National, Forbes Opinion, and US News. Dr. Al-Ubaydli earned his BA in economics from the University of Cambridge, and his MA and PhD in economics from the University of Chicago.
Media coverage – Arabic only
Media coverage – Arabic only
Media coverage – Arabic only
Media coverage – Arabic only
Media coverage – Arabic only
