Speaking to the research themes of the new Global Institute for Strategic Research, the opening plenary will consider the global challenges of governance, advancement (defined as progress, prosperity, and development), and peace and the role of states – operating globally, regionally, and bilaterally – in pursuing greater connectivity and collective action for meeting these 21^st century challenges. In exploring some of the socio-cultural, political, and economic drivers changing the world today, the session will also give special attention to how GISR can contribute a distinctly Arab and regional point of view to having a meaningful impact on global policy.