MUSCAT: Upholding sustainability as one of the critical pillars of progress, the Sultanate has been at the forefront of spearheading initiatives that advocate economic growth, social inclusion, and the protection of the country’s environment. In line with the same, the dates and agenda for Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) 2023 were announced at an exclusive press conference on February 27, 2023. A national-level event hosted by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) as the Host Organiser, OSW is set to commence on March 12 and will run until March 16. The week-long event dedicated to enhancing the future of energy, power, water, waste and environment and society is strongly aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and further reiterates the country’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Bringing together policymakers, sustainability experts and industry leaders, OSW seeks to engage influential national development stakeholders and position Oman as a country that implements sustainable practices in every sector.
“With humanity making stellar advancements in technology, driving rapid developments in every key sector, it has become even more critical that we take concerted efforts to implement transformational processes in everyday practices so we can operate in harmony with nature. Every action aimed at promoting sustainability, however small or large, if steered in the right direction, has the potential to have a significant global impact that will contribute towards protecting communities and preserving the environmental ecosystem,” said Dr Ali al Rajhi, Director General for Planning and Studies, Ministry of Energy and Minerals and OSW Steering Committee Chair.
“OSW seeks to be that very platform that advocates sustainability by facilitating meaningful dialogues between leaders who have the capacity to lead change, promoting the cross-sharing of technical expertise and resources and encouraging a business and community-wide shift towards adopting a sustainable lifestyle. Large-scale events like OSW give the needed impetus, guidance and support to key industries, helping them to accelerate their sustainability drive and achieve net zero carbon emissions in line with Oman Vision 2040. It also reaffirms Oman’s commitment to transitioning to a green, circular economy.”
Taking a holistic approach to the promotion of sustainability through the diversification of the economy, OSW will include a series of activities that foster knowledge sharing through high-level discussions with leading experts and educational programmes. The International Sustainability Resources & Technology Conference (ISRTC) organised by the Oman Environmental Service Holding Company SAOC (be’ah) and programmed by Economist Impact, will take place on March 13-14 at OCEC. The C-level thought leadership Gaia Summit organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) will be held on March 15-16.
A key highlight of the event is the Oman Sustainability Week Talks slated to be held from March 13-15. A free-to-attend, open panel forum, it will present invaluable insights into pioneering products and innovative solutions while inspiring attendees to embrace best practices in sustainability. As part of OSW Talks, Oman Shell will also host the Shell NXplorer Programme on March 15 showcasing 10 innovative projects created by students from 10 schools in Oman. In addition, Oman Shell will also be sharing insights from its Shell Nawafidh programme on March 14.
The OSW Exhibition will take place on March 13-15 in Hall 1 of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), which expects to see over 80 exhibitors and 7000 attendees alongside more than 100 expert speakers and 450 conference delegates.
Meanwhile, the Oman Sustainability Site Visits programme is scheduled for March 16 and will offer attendees an opportunity to visit, experience, and learn from a number of active projects that have been leading sustainable development in Oman.
To acknowledge, recognise and felicitate businesses, corporates and individuals who have played a pioneering role in driving sustainability in Oman, the week will kick off with the OSW Awards which will take place on March 12 at OCEC and expects to welcome over 260 attendees from various facets of the economy.
Apart from sharing knowledge, OSW will inculcate industry best practices in sustainability and highlight the various lucrative investment opportunities prevalent in Oman’s market. It will also offer a chance for businesses to promote their products, services, technologies and equipment as well as engage directly with local and international investors. As the nation’s leading event for sustainability, OSW seeks to align, centralise and benchmark all elements of the sustainability landscape in energy, power, water, waste, and environment.
Assuming the role of Strategic Partners at the event will be ASYAD, be’ah, Nama Group, Oman LNG, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Shell Oman. Extending its support as the Platinum Sponsor will be bp Oman alongside Averda, SLB and Sohar Aluminum as the Silver Sponsors. Omantel will be the Technology Partner at the event, whereas National Energy Centre will be the Smart City Partner.
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