Upcoming 2020 Summits and Fora

Why Think Tanks Matter Public Global Virtual Forum

January 28th, 2021, 8:30-10:30AM EST

As you may know, The Global Why Think Tanks Matter is conducted annually in 125 cities around the world. This year's theme is: Why Think Tanks and Policy Advice Matter In Times of Crisis and will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2021 from 8:30-11:00am EDT US.  The findings of the 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report will also be released on the same day.

We are also hoping that you will continue to serve on the Think Tank Planning Committee for your regions of the world. Being a member of the Planning Committee does not involve a financial commitment but many think tanks host summits and programs and provide in-kind support so we can produce the research, summits, and other fora we produce. The planning committee suggests themes, speakers and panelists for the summits, helps mobilize think tanks in their region and country and provides a show of solidarity that exists in the global think tank community. As you know, we sent out the invitation on 12.15.2020 and over 350 think tanks have already responded and many have joined this global effort to demonstrate why think tanks matter. 

Welcome and Opening Remarks Jim McGann

Session I. Policies and Priorities for 2021 in a World Disrupted and Transformed  A panel of 4-5 thought leaders will present a list of the policy issues that will need to be addressed in 2021 and provide specific recommendations for how to deal with them. The objective is to also look beyond the Pandemic and provide an action oriented policy agenda for 2021 that will not only address the fallout from the COVID19 Crisis but also present the other non-pandemic policy priorities that require our attention in 2021. (4-5 speakers 5 minutes each) 

Policies and Priorities for 2021 in a World Disrupted and Transformed  A panel of 4-5 think tank thought leaders will present a list of the policy issues that will need to be addressed in 2021 and provide specific recommendations for how to deal with them. The objective is to look beyond the Pandemic and provide an action oriented policy agenda for 2021 that addresses the fallout from the COVID19 Crisis but also addresses the other non-pandemic policy priorities that require our attention in 2021. (4 speakers 5 minutes each).

Session II. Why Think Tanks Matter in Times of Crisis: 20 Policies from 20 Think Tanks.  A Panel of 20 think tanks from around the world will present 1 case each that was developed and utilized by policymakers at the national, regional or global levels. (20 speakers 2 mins each a short report describing each case example will be distributed to all the participants at the Forum)   

Session III. Serving as a Catalyst for Ideas and Action  Six of the leading think tank presidents will comment on Why Think Tanks Matter Now and in the Future by providing specific suggestions on how think tanks can add  insights and value on key policy issues for policymakers and the public. The panelists will also be asked to discuss how think tanks can become smarter, better, faster and more agile, innovative and tech savvy. (6 speakers 5 minutes each) The Panel will feature women executives from some of the leading think tanks in the world There will be one panelist from North America, Asia, Latin America Africa, Western Europe and MENA.  

Closing Remarks Jim McGann and Release of the 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index