OTT Podcast

Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference.
In an era marked by democratic uncertainty, technological disruption and geopolitical instability, do think tanks still matter?
In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Rosa Balfour reflects on the growing pressures facing think tanks — from the transformation of the information ecosystem and declining trust in institutions to funding challenges and global geopolitical upheaval.
She argues that think tanks continue to play a critical role as bridges between policymakers and society, while calling for greater clarity of purpose, stronger communities of practice and more meaningful public engagement.
Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/
Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference.
How can think tanks remain trustworthy institutions in increasingly polarised political environments?
In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Héctor Cárdenas reflects on the relationship between evidence, storytelling and trust. Drawing on COMEXI’s experience in Mexico, he explores how think tanks can navigate political pressures, fragmented audiences and institutional tensions while remaining credible, pluralistic and grounded in evidence.
From strategic communication and public engagement to government relations and organisational identity, this session offers a thoughtful reflection on what it means for knowledge to matter in today’s policy debates.
Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/
Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference.
Who are think tanks ultimately accountable to?
In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Denis Foretia examines the complex relationship between legitimacy, independence and trust in African policy research organisations. Drawing on the experience of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation in Cameroon, he reflects on the tensions between governments, funders and citizens — and argues that genuine legitimacy must be earned locally, not borrowed internationally.
Through personal stories and institutional lessons, Denis explores what it takes to build trust with the communities think tanks claim to serve.
Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/
Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference.
What happens to think tanks when artificial intelligence can produce analysis in seconds?
In this keynote from the OTT Conference 2026, Erica explores how AI is reshaping the production of knowledge and what this means for policy research organisations. While AI can dramatically expand analytical capacity, she argues that the most valuable forms of knowledge still emerge through human encounter, judgement and relationships built around shared stakes and difficult decisions.
The session reflects on trust, expertise, institutional value and the future role of think tanks in an AI-mediated world.
Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/
Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/

Recorded live at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, this special edition of OTT Talks brings you the keynote speeches from the 10th edition of the conference.
In his welcoming remarks at the OTT Conference 2026 in Rabat, Karim El Aynaoui, Executive Director of the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), reflected on the role think tanks can play in addressing global imbalances and strengthening public policy ecosystems.
Karim explored the importance of talent development, public service, and evidence-informed policymaking, while highlighting the need to rebalance global narratives and create greater space for perspectives from the Global South. He argued that think tanks have a responsibility not only to produce research, but also to nurture future leaders, contribute to more inclusive international debates, and build partnerships that turn ideas into action.
His remarks set the tone for the conference’s wider discussions on trust, legitimacy, knowledge production and the evolving role of think tanks in a rapidly changing world.
Explore more insights from the OTT Conference 2026: https://onthinktanks.org/ott-conference-2026/
Become an On Think Tanks member: https://onthinktanks.org/membership/