Beirut: The Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) co-hosted the second Annual Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Think Tank Forum. The event focused on discussing how global shifts impact the region and how regional actors, including think tanks, can influence the discourse on global public goods to ensure it aligns with the region’s needs and priorities.
According to National News Agency – Lebanon, the forum, attended by members of the Arab Think Tank Network and representatives of prominent regional and international think tanks, explored the conceptualization and prioritization of global public goods in the Arab region. Key topics included trade and migration, development finance and capital flows, and climate change. Attendees deliberated on the challenges and opportunities for Arab countries in the governance of these goods, and on potential collaboration and policy engagement pathways in regional and international forums. The Network also held its first general assembly to discuss guidelines, strategy, and elect a coordination committee.
Dr. Joseph Bahout, IFI director, emphasized the significance of building the Arab Think Tank Network amidst regional challenges, stating the necessity for increased discussion and cooperation. He highlighted the importance of this year’s forum in addressing global public goods, marking a shift from traditional geopolitical topics to issues critical to the region’s future amidst rising regional divergences.
Middle East Council Senior Fellow and Advisor Tarik M. Yousef noted the increasing divergence within the region over the past two decades, with Gulf countries experiencing stability and economic progress while the rest faced instability and conflict. This divergence poses challenges but also presents opportunities to introduce new ideas into regional discussions.
A panel discussion titled “Building an Arab Voice on the Governance of Global Public Goods” was held alongside the forum, featuring key regional experts. The panelists discussed challenges and opportunities for the Arab region in relation to global public goods and explored avenues for collaboration to advance regional priorities and contribute to inclusive global solutions.
The Arab Think Tank Network, launched in September 2024 by IFI and ME Council, aims to enhance the policy impact of think tanks across the region. IFI serves as the network’s secretariat, coordinating activities and ensuring the implementation of shared objectives among member institutions.