Doha, 26 January 2017 - For the second consecutive year, Al Jazeera Centre for Studies (AJCS) ranked fifth in the category of the most influential think tanks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the Global Go To Think Tank Index of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program of the University of Pennsylvania. Global Go To Think Tank Index of 2017 included 400 classified think tanks and was announced on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. AJCS's ranking progressed in 2015 after being ranked sixth in 2014 and eighth in 2013 and 2012. It has thus maintained its ranking among the top ten think tanks over the last 6 years.
Apart from maintaining its advanced ranking in the MENA index, AJCS has been ranked among the most influential think tanks in the world outside the US. It has also been classified among the think tanks that apply quality and integrity standards and pursue appropriate policies and procedures to realise such standards.
This recognition of AJCS's regional and international influence is due to the fact that its research activities are, firstly, up to date with political developments in the Middle East and the Arab world. Furthermore, its diverse output – which range from research to events and interactive programmes – have contributed to deepening the understanding of the region's affairs and rapid developments. Thanks to its fruitful cooperation with Al Jazeera Media Network's channels and digital platforms, AJCS has managed to reach out to millions of viewers and readers across the world.
Launched in 2006, the Think Tanks and Civil Society Program includes 7000 think tanks and research centres all over the world. The process of selection and classification is done by a wide network of panels that includes academics, journalists and donors.
AJCS received the Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network, Dr. Mostefa Souag, who joined the centre's team to pass his congratulations and celebrate the event.