Dr. Christian Koch gave a lecture at the NATO Defence College on “The GCC States and the Security of the Gulf Region” to the NATO’s Regional Cooperation Course 15 comprising 30 military officers from NATO countries and NATO partner countries. Dr. Koch provided an overview of the political, economic and security-related developments impacting the GCC countries and how recent events had influenced GCC policies.
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Raouf, Program Manager – GRC Environmental Security and Sustainability Program, participated in the second meeting of the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR 2) in preparation for the second United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 2), which took place at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya on 14-19 February 2016. Dr. Raouf presented a talk on the Major Groups participation in the Global Environment Outlook 6 during the Major Groups preparatory meeting on 14 February. The Gulf Research Center participated in the meeting in its current capacity as the Global Focal Point of the Science and Technology Major Group of UNEP.
Dr. Christian Koch, Director of the GRC Foundation held meetings with the following persons during a visit to Abu Dhabi:
• Hassan Al-Omari, Head of Studies Unit, Emirates Policy Center
• Mariam Al Mahmoud – Executive Education Director; Noura Al Mazrouie - Professor, Academic Department; Phil Dufty – Director of Research and Analysis; and Stephen Lee Keck – Academic Director of the Emirates Diplomatic Academy
• Richard Burchill, Director of Research and Engagement at TRENDS Research and Advisory.
Dr. Abdulaziz bin Othman bin Sager - Chairman of the Gulf Research Center Participated as keynote speaker in the academic symposium hosted by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel– Doha. He presented a paper entitled "The reasons for the Saudi-Iranian crisis and future orientations".
Dr. Abdulaziz bin Othman bin Sager - Chairman of the Gulf Research Center, gave a lecture in Joaan bin Jassim Joint Command and Staff College, Doha on the theme: "Saudi foreign policy".
Dr. Christian Koch participated in the workshop on “Middle Eastern Geopolitics and the EU’s Global Strategy Review” held by the European Council on Foreign Relations in London. The meeting brought together a number of EU policy officials and experts from throughout Europe to discuss current developments in the Middle East and how these should feature in the new EU Global Strategy Review document to be released later in 2016.
