Bahrain Mirror: A number of organizations specialized in the Gulf are holding a conference entitled "The Gulf States: An Aspired Future" to explore current barriers to development and the reforms that should be considered in order to advance the political, human rights and media environment in the sub-region.

The Saudi Arabia- focused ALQST and Diwan London, the Oman-centered Muwatin Media Network and the Bahrain-focused SALAM for Democracy and Human Rights (SALAM DHR), along with The Foreign Policy Centre (FPC), and Lancaster University's Richardson Institute are participating in the conference.

Tara Reynor O'Grady, Advisor at SALAM stated that "We aim to identify the main challenges facing the region, from undemocratic, untransparent governance to a lack of civic space and free press, highlighting the interdependence of inside and outside levers of change."

Media and regional specialist, Mohammad Al-Fazari, Director of the co-sponsoring organization, Muwatin Media Network, added, for the Gulf-focused organizers, "We will unpack realistic options and possible alternative solutions to build the region's future."

Adam Hug, Director of the Foreign Policy Centre, stated that, "This conference will seek to examine the grave human rights and governance challenges in many countries in the region and explore how their citizens can be supported to build a more positive future despite the pressures they face."

Simon Mabon, Director of the Richardson Institute, said, "In recent years, the interaction of local politics with global forces - and vice versa - has become increasingly prominent. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Gulf. In spite of this prominence, the region is beset by a number of serious tensions."

This seminar seeks to explore these issues in more detail, focusing on questions about politics, social issues, economics and human rights and how these issues can shape the future.

Arabic Version