The CICA Member States have decided to transform the CICA Think Tank Forum (TTF) into an information and analytical advisory body that will provide information and analytical support for activities within the CICA framework and to develop interaction among think tanks and research institutions of the CICA Member States.
The CICA Senior Officials Committee adopted the Regulations of the TTF by the decision dated October 7, 2021, creating a regulatory framework for its activities.
The Think Tank Forum was founded within the framework of CICA on the initiative of the People's Republic of China in 2014, and coordinated by the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. From 2014 to 2020, the Chinese institute organized 8 round tables of TTF, the results of which formed the basis for individual decisions on how to improve cooperation between the CICA Member States on specific confidence-building measures.
On June 15, 2019, in his speech at the 5th CICA Summit, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the activities of the Conference needed to be supported by high-quality expertise in all dimensions. In this regard, he put forward the initiative to strengthen the capacity of the CICA think tanks by transforming them into a permanent dialogue platform.
The initiative was supported by all Member States, which, after detailed elaboration, approved the Regulations on the TTF.
According to the document, the goals and objectives of the TTF are:
To provide information and analytical support to the activities of CICA, including through the preparation of analytical, research and projection reports, publications and other materials on CICA related issues,
To develop cooperation among think tanks, research and educational institutions of the Member States on CICA related issues, including through joint research activities and exchange of experience and research materials,
To hold forums, conferences, workshops, round tables and other events on CICA related matters,
To promote the establishment and development of contacts, information exchange and cooperation between scientists and experts of the Member States in all dimensions within the framework of CICA.
To publish materials on research and analytical activities and materials of events held under the auspices of the Forum, and
Other objectives as may be identified by the CICA Member States.
The TTF will consist of one high-profile think tank or research institution from each CICA Member State, which is appointed by the Member State. At the same time, the Member States will be able to send additional think tanks or research institutions for permanent or temporary participation in the Forum.
The activities of the TTF will be organized within the framework of an annual Action Plan, which will be approved by the CICA Senior Officials Committee.
