MUSCAT, MARCH 19
The activities of the Oman Sustainability Week (OSW 2022), which lasted for three days, concluded on March 16, 2022 with a strong reaffirmation of the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to the principles of sustainability enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. Officials and experts from around 22 countries took part in the discussions over the three-day event.
Shaikh Mohammed al Harthy, Executive Vice President - Strategic Development Sector, be’ah – a key sponsor of OSW 2022, said the next edition will take place in March 2023.
Speaking at the concluding session, Al Harthy said: “During the past three days, various decision-makers spoke about many important things, including educational awareness, sustainable finance, social behaviour, importance of technology in achieving sustainability, policies and legal frameworks to support sustainability, and so on. At be’ah, our policies flow from Oman Vision 2040, and this realisation encourages all our employees to continue to contribute towards SDG or ESG goals.”
Delegates also witnessed the signing of a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU). Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) signed two pacts: The first relates to providing solar energy systems in homes under ‘Project Noor’, and the second relates to the safe disposal of electronic and electrical waste. Additionally, an MoU was signed between Oman Shell and Oman Airports to support the launch of green hydrogen project for mobility. Also notable was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be’ah) and Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) to implement a Waste to Energy power plant in the Wilayat of Barka.
Leading figures who participated in the concluded session also shared their thoughts on sustainability. Eng Saleh al Shanfari, CEO, Oman Food Investment Holding Co, said: “Sustainability reflects our awareness of the environment around us; When it comes to food – a sector which I’m familiar with, there are many things affecting sustainability, such as the global warming, for example.”
Shaima al Lawati, Vice-President - Sustainability, OQ, underlined the need for collaboration and cooperation in driving sustainability. ”In any institution, the team must work in cooperation and harmony, and believe in the importance of sustainability. At OQ, what we have achieved in sustainability is the result of team work.”
Marc Tijhuis, Managing Director, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), described the three-day proceedings as enriching. “I’m confident the next event in March 2023 will be a success going by what we have seen in the last three days. I learn a lot from these sessions. Sustainability, from what I understand, is about protecting the environment.”
Eng Hassan al Amri, Executive Investment Director, Saudi Investment Recycling Company (PIF Company), noted that the younger generations are more aware of environmental issues than the older generations. He attributed this heightened awareness to school curricula and modern technology as well. “Harnessing technology in preserving the environment has become urgent and obligatory on the other hand, due to its ease and availability for all segments “he stated.
Asked by a member from the audience about the apparent lack of interest in adopting Western recycling practices, such as the widespread installation of reverse vending machines for used plastic bottles, Eng Hassan explained that the relative high cost of labour tends to make recycling activities economically unattractive.
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