Derasat holds GCC Security Conference
The conference addressed security issues of the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council with the aim to make recommendations towards a collective GCC security strategic concept. The conference sought to provide insights into the security challenges facing GCC countries and the potential role of internal and external risks and threats. Presentations considered security challenges from a variety of geopolitical perspectives and each was followed by a lively debate and exchange of opinions. The conference concluded with nine recommendations towards a common GCC strategic security concept which focused on improving social, economic and political participation and on reforming structures to improve standards of living and job opportunities. The recommendations also included improving the role of the media and education as tools to enhance a culture of tolerance. Support was expressed for greater unity amongst the GCC countries and although Iran was seen as potentially positive partner in the region, this was dependent on Iran respecting the Gulf States internal affairs and on clarifying nuclear proliferation intentions.
Welcome speech
H.E. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Ghaffar, Advisor to H.M. The King for Diplomatic Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Bahrain Center of Strategic, International and Energy Studies.
Conference Agenda
Tuesday 17th January
Opening Ceremony
Opening addresses delivered by the following dignitaries:
His Royal Highness, Prince Turki Al Faisal, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies
H.E. Dr. Mohammed Jaber Al-Ansari, Advisor to His Majesty King Hamad’s Cultural and Scientific Affairs
H.E. Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, G.C.C. Secretary-General
H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police.
Session 1:
“National and Regional Security from a Geopolitical Perspective,” introduced by session chairman, Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Othman Bin Saqer, President of the Gulf Research Center.
“Not a Stable World without Gulf Security,” presented by H.E., Mr. Abdullah Yacoub Bishara, President of the Diplomatic Center for Strategic Studies.
“Regional and National Strategy for the Arabian Gulf Region: Vision in Strategic Conflict Movement and Local Interactions Together,” presented by Dr. Muhammad Abdul Ghaffar, Advisor to H.M. The King for Diplomatic Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Bahrain Center of Strategic, International and Energy Studies.
Plenary Discussion
Wednesday 18th January
Session 2: “Internal and External Threats to the Security of the GCC Countries,” introduced and chaired by H.E. Mohammed Bin Hussain Al-Shaaly, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of United Arab Emirates.
“Threats to Internal Security and Political Reform Programs,” presented by Dr. Mohamed Ghanem Al Rumaihi, Professor of Political Sociology at Kuwait University.
“The Effects of Regional Security and Stability of the GCC,” presented by Dr. Abdul Khaleq Abdullah, Professor of Political Science at the United Arab Emirates University.
Plenary Discussion
Session 3:
“Towards Forming a Strategic Concept for Regional Security in the GCC” introduced and chaired by Professor Dr. Baqer Salman AlNajar, Social Sciences Professor at the University of Bahrain. “Regional Security Strategy of the GCC over the Past Decade and the Changes within,” presented by Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Othman Bin Saqer, President of the Gulf Research Center.
“Comprehensive Strategic Planning and its Role in the Formulation of Security Policy of the GCC Countries on National and Regional Levels,” presented by General Dr. Anwar Majid Ashqi, President of the Middle East Center for Strategic and Legal Studies.
Final Plenary Discussion Session:
“Forward Looking Views and General Discussion on the Outcomes of the Conference,” introduced and chaired by Dr. Mohamed Ghanem Al Rumaihi, Professor of Political Science at Kuwait University.
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17/01/2012
