Dr. Christian Koch participated in an expert-level discussion on “Yemen: Perspectives for Peace and Stability in a Fragmented Country” with H.E. Ahmed Obaid Mubarak Bin-Dagher and organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Foundation in Berlin. The closed-door invitation only event was attended by 20 high-level officials and included an intensive exchange of views about the current developments in Yemen.
Dr. Christian Koch participated in a breakfast discussion at the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation in Berlin with Dr. Basmah Omair, CEO of Alsayedah Khadiyah Bint Khawilid Lobbying Center on the topic of “Economic Reform and women empowerment in Saudi Arabia – Challenges and Perspectives.”
Dr. Koch engaged in the “Incidents at Sea Meeting” sponsored by Search for Common Ground and the East-West Institute held in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting explored the possibility of maritime security measures being considered for the Gulf region and brought together numerous experts on naval operation and regional security.
Dr. Christian Koch participated in the event entitled “Saudi and Iranian Perspectives on Environmental Challenges” held the Center for Applied Policy Research on the Orient (CARPO) and the East-West Institute in Bonn, Germany. The event brought together 25 participants. Dr. Koch spoke on the panels “Political, Economic and Security Implications of Environmental Challenges” and “Exploring the need and prospect for Regional Cooperation” as well as chairing the session entitled “Environmental Challenges at the National Level.”
Dr. Mohamed Abdel Raouf, Program Manager – GRC Environmental Security and Sustainability Program, participated in the third United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 3), which took place at UN Environment Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya on 4-6 December 2016. Dr. Raouf presented the statement on “the pollution free planet” of the Science and Technology Major Group in the plenary session of UN Environment Assembely. 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 UN Environment.
Dr. Christian Koch, Director of the GRC Foundation held a meeting with H.E. Saoud Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Germany, in Berlin. The two sides exchanges views about developments in the region in addition to discussing potential cooperation in a variety of fields.
Dr. Koch also met with Sebastian Sons, Associate Fellow for the Middle East and North Africa of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP). During their meeting, the two discussed developments in the Gulf region and talked about upcoming programs of the DGAP when it comes to the Middle Eastern region.
