Manama: The Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) remains committed to its mission of fostering informed dialogue on global issues and promoting strategic studies in the region.
Derasat hosted many insightful lectures as part of its “Think Talk” series throughout 2024. This initiative aims to foster informed dialogue on critical issues affecting the region and beyond, showcasing Derasat’s commitment to knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Throughout the year, Derasat organised a diverse lineup of lectures addressing important topics such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, geopolitical dynamics, and sustainability. Each event featured experts and thought leaders who shared their insights, encouraging deep discussions among participants.
“The Think Talk series exemplifies our dedication to fostering dialogue on critical issues. Through these discussions, we aim to enhance understanding and collaboration across various sectors.” She further emphasised, “By bringing together experts and thought leaders, we create a platform for sharing knowledge and generating innovative ideas that can address the challenges we face today,” Shaikha Nayla bint Ali Al Khalifa, Derasat’s Director of Communications and Knowledge Management Directorate, said.
She highlighted the importance of these talks in connecting relevant stakeholders, academics, and researchers, ensuring that our network stays informed on various strategic topics.
The series featured a rich array of subjects, including “Laying the Foundations for a Secure Future in the Digital Space” and “The Global Digital Transformation Journey: Strategies for Success.” These lectures explored the critical role of digital initiatives in enhancing organisational resilience and the strategies necessary for effectively implementing technological advancements across various sectors.
Moreover, the “Think Talk” series underscored the advantages and possibilities of artificial intelligence and its diverse applications. Topics such as “The Future of Embryology in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” “Cloud Solutions and the Employment of Artificial Intelligence,” and “Artificial Intelligence Technologies in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in the United Arab Emirates” showcased how AI is transforming fields ranging from healthcare to information management. These discussions highlighted the potential for AI to enhance efficiency and drive innovation across multiple sectors.
In addition to technology-focused topics, a lecture titled “The Development of the Western Calendar and the Leap Year” provided an overview of the historical development of the modern Western calendar system, emphasising the significance of leap years and their impact on synchronising the calendar with the solar year.
Other notable lectures included discussions on “Unlocking the Value of Electricity Diplomacy” and “Navigating the Shifting Sands: EU Foreign Policy Outlook After the 2024 Parliamentary Elections.” Derasat also hosted talks on “Blueprint for Tomorrow: Crafting a Sustainable Strategic Plan,” which highlighted the importance of innovative approaches to sustainability, emphasising collaborative efforts among stakeholders, the integration of technology, and the need to address current global environmental challenges.
The success of the “Think Talk” series in 2024 has set new milestones for future initiatives aimed at enhancing collaboration and addressing emerging challenges in an ever-evolving global landscape.
