Confirming its global outreach.. TRENDS and think tanks in Addis Ababa and discuss research cooperation

A delegation from TRENDS Research and Advisory discussed research cooperation with a number of research centers and scientific institutes in Ethiopia as part of its African tour, which so far included Egypt and Ethiopia. The TRENDS delegation shall proceed to Kenya. This tour reflects the Center’s global vision and strategy in developing international research cooperation to deliver balanced research outputs, explore and anticipate events. These external engagements contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and promote the values of tolerance, coexistence and constructive dialogue.

The delegation, headed by TRENDS CEO Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al-Ali, included a number of heads of sectors and directors of research departments. The TRENDS delegation met with officials of the Institute for Policy Studies (PSI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The two sides discussed the prospects for cooperation in the fields of research, conferences, exchange of experiences and other areas of common interest.

The TRENDS delegation briefed the Institute's officials on the nature of TRENDS Research and Advisory research work, which analyzes the geopolitical, economic and social aspects of regional and global developments. They explained that the aim of this effort is understand the different dimensions of the prevailing trends, opportunities and challenges, while adhering to international standards in the field of research.

In this regard, Dr. Al-Ali stressed the Center's endeavor to build new partnerships and expand its global outreach to position its role as a global research and knowledge bridge that anticipates events and develop visions that contribute to making the future.

Professor Beyene Petros, Director-General of Policy Research Institute (PSI), gave an overview of the nature of the PSI work and the areas of research interests. He highlighted the Institute's expertise and contributions to policy studies.

The Two sides recognized the potential for cooperation. Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali and Professor Payne agreed to strengthen partnership, and expressed their desire to cooperate in joint research projects, exchange visits and research experiences, organize conferences, and explore other avenues of cooperation. They agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding that defines the framework and fields of cooperation. The agreed to enhance research capabilities and leverages their strengths and expertise to generate valuable insights that support the stakeholders, academia, sound policy development. and the collective pursuit of knowledge.

On the other hand, the TRENDS delegation met in Addis Ababa with officials of the Ethiopian Economic Association (EEA). The Association officials were briefed on the nature of TRENDS work. The Association officials gave an overview of the Association work. The two sides reviewed ways of cooperation, and expressed their keenness to seek research cooperation, especially in the economic field and stressed the importance of scientific research and think tanks in anticipating events and their possible impact.

The TRENDS delegation had previously met with officials of three other research institutes in the Ethiopian capital: the Institute of Peace and Security Studies at Addis Ababa University (IPSS), the Horn Institute for Economic and Social Policy (HESPI), and the Institute of Foreign Affairs IFA, affiliated with the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the three meetings, which were held separately, prospects for cooperation in the field of research and exchange of experiences were reviewed. The two sides focused on issues of global peace and security, political, economic and global security issues, and the role of research centers in anticipating them. They also addresses the modalities for developing plans and analyzing issues, in addition to training, opinion polls, and areas of joint research cooperation.

Nairobi International Book Festival

The third station of TRENDS’ African tour shall be in Kenya. TRENDS Research and Advisory shall be the first Arab research center to participate in the Nairobi International Book Fair on September 27 which runs for four days. The Center will display research publications in a special stand. TRENDS’ publications shall offer titles covering the scientific, political, security, economic and military fields. In addition, the visitors shall have access to the encyclopedia and publications on political Islam movements. TRENDS will also organize a discussion session entitled "Restrictions to the deployment of renewable energy in Africa" in its stand.

The TRENDS delegation to the Nairobi Book Fair will hold discussions with Kenyan think tanks on ways of joint cooperation to enhance its research vision and support its global outreach.