Gulf International Forum

Public Panels Regularly Held Timely Panel Events: Our events in 2022 examined the de-escalation of conflicts in the region between different Gulf states, and between U.S. and Iran. We also discussed Bidens foreign policy with the GCC states, the energy and economic policies of the Gulf states, gender and societal issues, and elections in the Gulf region. Additionally we discussed the Ukraine war and Yemen War. We addressed Soft Power of the Gulf states. Our events audience exceeded 15,000 viewers on Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn, while our 22 virtual panels received 15,000 guests from all over the world. Our events have attracted academics, diplomats, policymakers, students, investors, and other audiences with interest in the Gulf and in U.S.-Gulf relations.

Women, Peace and Security in the Gulf with U.S. State Department Mission to NATO Through a series of closed roundtables, a public panel discussion, and a report aimed at the security and defense community of NATO members and partner countries we researched the status of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in the nine Gulf states (the six GCC states, Iran, Iraq and Yemen). During the programs period, the Forum met the set objectives: 1) fostering a better understanding of how to generate greater participation from women in the field of security; 2) exploring how women can better contribute to peacebuilding efforts; and 3) analyzing and discussing best practices on the role of women in current and recent Gulf regional security issues. The project and its report provided analysis about opportunity and challenges facing womens participation in the peacebuilding, defense, and security sectors. The projects report concluded with a set of policy recommendations for Gulf states and NATO partners. The program aimed to influence, in both the short and long term, important decision-makers and opinion shapers to elevate the perspectives and skillsets of women in the international security sector.

Publications & Analysis In 2022, the Forum published 141 commentaries, a 9% increase from the previous year. Our analysis covered timely topics and chronic challenges for the Gulf states. Our commentaries conformed to the Forums seven research themes: Defense and Security, Politics and Governance, U.S.-Gulf Policy, Economy and Innovation, Energy policy, Geopolitics, and Society. Publications covered a wide variety of topics related our seven research themes which include Defense & Security; Society; Politics & Governance; U.S.-Gulf Policy; Economy & Innovation; Energy Policy; and Geopolitics. In addition to pieces written by GIF, the forum also dedicates its publication space to non-affiliated scholars of the Gulf region and encourages them to freely present their ideas about major issues concerning our area of focus.

Leadership Programs The Forum strives to improve understanding of the Gulf region and contribute to the accumulation of knowledge on the Gulf. Therefore, we believe in the importance of connecting with young professionals and students who seek to be involved and informed about this dynamic region, which remains critical to U.S. foreign policy interests across the globe. The Leadership Program is designed to train and encourage students and academic cadres to pursue scholarship related to the Gulf and publish their research.

Special Conversation and Expert Interview Series The Forum continued its Special Conversastions and Expert Interview program, where it interviewed several practitioners, dignitaries, and leading experts on economic, political, and social issues of the Gulf region.

Podcast Program In 2022 we continued our efforts to broaden our outreach to a larger audience through our Gulf International Forums Majlis podcast. In 2022 we published 14 episodes covering various topics about the regions political, economic, security and social affairs. The number of listeners to our podcast in the U.S., the Gulf region, and Europe grew by 111 percent in 2022. Listeners subscribed to our podcast from all over the world.