TRENDS Research and Advisory and the Global Imams Council (GIC) have signed a cooperation agreement to advance scholarly research and exchange knowledge in areas of mutual interest.

The agreement was signed at TRENDS’ headquarters in Abu Dhabi by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, Vice President of GIC, Sheikh Ali Al-Kaabi, Director of GIC Najaf and Senior Research Fellow, and Imam Tamaz Mgeladze, Director of GIC Georgia and Chair of the Georgian Muslim Union, in the presence of several officials from both sides.

The agreement provides conducting original evidence-based research to serve the community and support policymakers.

It emphasised strengthening relations, expanding the knowledge base, and leveraging mutual expertise in policy and research. Additionally, it provides a formal and legal framework for communication and coordination, enabling both sides to achieve their common research goals.

Dr. Al-Ali praised GIC’s role in promoting tolerance and human fraternity. He emphasised that think tanks and research institutions are responsible for finding effective solutions to promote these values and combat extremism.

He also pointed out that cooperation would yield positive and tangible results through joint research and studies that serve their visions and objectives.

Dr. Al-Ali affirmed that research is crucial to developing insights, solutions, and effective strategies for facing challenges.

Tawhidi, in turn, explained that the agreement aims to launch joint research projects, exchange expertise, cooperate in training programmes and courses, and expand the communication network. He stressed that scholarly research provides the necessary data and evidence for addressing challenges and making progress.