Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
TRENDS Research & Advisory concluded its research tour in Argentina, organised through its Latin America Office, and wrapped up its exceptional first participation in the Buenos Aires International Book Fair 2025 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Joint Military College, National Defense University, Argentina.
The centre also explored avenues for cooperation with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, particularly in the field of analytical research, and discussed research collaboration opportunities with the Argentine Council for International Relations (CARI).
Foresight studies
The MoU with the Joint Military College, National Defense Universitywas signed in the presence of Saeed Abdullah Al-Qemzi, UAE Ambassador to Argentina. It aims to strengthen cooperation in producing research and studies, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, as well as foresight and future studies.
On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, TRENDS held a discussion with the leadership of the Joint Military College and the National Defense University, focusing on the importance of having open channels of communication between think tanks and academic institutions as a way to enhance research and academic collaboration, especially on strategic issues.
Colonel (Ret.) Alberto Aparicio, Dean of the Joint Military College, emphasised that the college is keen to boost cooperation and forge strategic partnerships with active think tanks, foremost among them TRENDS. He noted that such partnerships would enrich students with the latest research and intellectual developments, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies, areas in which TRENDS has distinguished expertise.
Addressing global challenges
TRENDS also held a discussion session with Fernando Iglesias, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, along with committee members. The session highlighted the critical role of think tanks in advancing research.
During the session, TRENDS researchers presented the centre’s active role in analysing various international and regional issues, emphasising the importance of strengthening cooperation with think tanks and official institutions across Latin America, particularly in Argentina. The discussion also addressed the threats posed by extremist groups, notably the Muslim Brotherhood, to societal security and stability, stressing the need to counter these threats through rigorous scientific analysis of the groups' ideologies, as well as efforts to deconstruct and refute them.
Officials from the Argentine Chamber of Deputies also took the TRENDS research team on a tour of the chamber, where they learned about its history, structure, operations, and role within Argentina’s political system, as well as its legislative powers.
Joint advisory projects
The TRENDS team also discussed ways to strengthen collaboration with Francisco de Santibanes, President of the Argentine Council for International Relations (CARI), Dr. Carola Ramon, Vice President of CARI, and members of CARI’s Middle East Affairs Committee. Both sides held a panel discussion focused on the importance of scientific research, as well as mechanisms for enhancing cooperation in training and advisory fields.
The two sides agreed to implement joint research projects, to exchange expertise, information, and non-resident researchers, and to organise training courses and research events in partnership with think tanks across Latin America.
New horizons for cooperation
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, affirmed that through its research tour in Argentina, the centre aims to open new avenues for partnership and collaboration with think tanks and academic institutions. This contributes to bringing perspectives closer on current developments, and toward launching joint research projects that deepen the understanding of various geopolitical transformations at both regional and international levels.
He emphasised that the discussions and meetings held during the tour support TRENDS’ efforts to strengthen its sustainable strategic partnerships, expand its research and development activities, broaden societal knowledge awareness, and leverage shared expertise to serve scientific research. He also highlighted plans to develop training programmes and courses aimed at enhancing researchers' skills.
Dr. Al-Ali added that TRENDS agreed with Argentine think tanks and academic institutions to activate cooperation through a series of research activities, conferences, symposiums, panel discussions, and joint workshops. These initiatives will focus on analysing current global opportunities and challenges, and on exchanging views and ideas on a wide range of topics of mutual interest.
Specialised services
Rawdha Al-Marzooqi Director of Distribution and Exhibitions at TRENDS, stated that the centre’s pavilion at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair attracted visitors from diverse backgrounds, who explored TRENDS’ publications as well as its high-quality training and advisory services. She noted that TRENDS was the only institution representing the UAE at the fair.
Al-Marzooqi added that the pavilion welcomed Saeed Abdullah Al-Qemzi, UAE Ambassador to Argentina; Christian Rainone, President of Fundación El Libro in Argentina; and Jorge Gutiérrez Brianza, Director of Commercial Affairs and Operations at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair. They were introduced to the center’s publications and services and praised its research efforts and outstanding participation in the fair.
She also pointed out that the TRENDS team engaged with representatives of think tanks and international pavilions participating in the event, discussing mechanisms for cooperation and partnership. These efforts aimed to build bridges of scientific and intellectual exchange between societies and to promote a culture of research worldwide.
