Abu dhabi: The TRENDS Research and Advisory in Abu Dhabi recently convened a special session with a high-level delegation from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) to explore potential research collaborations, discuss the outcomes of the TRENDS second Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, and plan for the third edition of the dialogue to be held in Washington, D.C.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session followed the conclusion of the second dialogue titled "Tech Diplomacy in the MENA Region," which included significant participation from CSIS, along with global entities such as Google and OpenAI. Organized in collaboration with the UAE Cybersecurity Council, the dialogue highlighted artificial intelligence as a strategic force reshaping global power dynamics, emphasizing the importance of enhanced cooperation between TRENDS and CSIS in this evolving field.
During the session, both parties examined the key findings and insights from the dialogue, focusing on the strategic transformations driven by AI technologies. They discussed using these insights to develop joint research programs and improve mutual understanding of the challenges posed by emerging technologies to regional security, foreign policy, and digital governance.
Three senior researchers from CSIS-Mona Yacoubian, Director of the Middle East Program; Henrietta Levin, Senior Fellow; and Will Todman, Chief of Staff of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and a Senior Fellow in the Middle East Program-participated in the session. Bilal Saab, Director of TRENDS' Washington Office, was also in attendance.
The meeting underscored the significant role played by American experts during the dialogue sessions, highlighting their in-depth insights into AI and contributions to strengthening communication channels between experts from both institutions.
Discussions also touched on the possibility of holding the third Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and Tech Diplomacy in Washington next year, aiming to expand it into a broader platform that includes leading American think tanks and their Middle Eastern counterparts.
Both parties stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation between research institutions in the region and the United States and developing a shared understanding of challenges related to AI, technology, cybersecurity, and geopolitical shifts.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, affirmed that cooperation with CSIS is a key pillar in building a global research network. He stated, "We are entering a new phase that calls for deeper collaboration between American research centers and their counterparts in the region to ensure a clearer understanding of the implications of technology and geopolitical transformations."
CSIS experts praised the high level of dialogue organized by TRENDS on tech diplomacy and expressed enthusiasm for hosting the next edition in Washington. A delegation member remarked, "We regard TRENDS as a distinguished research partner, and we look forward to deepening our cooperation on artificial intelligence and strategic transformation issues."
The session concluded with both sides emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue and establishing joint working channels to bolster the role of both institutions in producing knowledge and analyzing strategic and technological developments regionally and globally.