The 'Together forward' annual forum closed its third version last Thursday. The event is important for two main reasons. The first is that it is held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, whose presence is marked by vigour and effect. The second is it is directed to the people of Oman.
Starting with some inaugurating addresses by key ministries in Oman, which in essence represented the driving force of the economy. There were speeches and presentations by Minister of Energy and Minerals, Minister of Economy, Minister of Transport, Communication and Information Technology; and Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. Each one of them talked about what has been achieved in their respective ministries, mainly focusing on efforts made to diversify economic projects as a sustainable source of job creation, support for small and medium enterprises as well as some key outputs of their ministries.
In addition, the Minister of Economy offered an evaluation of the significance, worth, and condition of the Tenth Five-Year Plan. With a careful appraisal and study of the performance indicators of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), the minister highlighted how the plan has been mapped with Oman Vision 2040, expressing the deeds achieved through the implementation of the directions, policies, programmes, projects and activities.
The Economy Minster also explained the way the mechanism for the Eleventh Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) shall be prepared, indicating that it will witness the participation of the society in its preparation.
What is so important about the forum is that it is attended by various categories of the society. The Omanis attending the forum, without doubt, were listening attentively and heeding to what the ministers were saying... an inherent trait about Omanis who never interrupt a speaker with frequent questions, nor do they stop or hinder a speaker when he speaks by breaking in with questions or remarks while another is speaking. Instead, they respect the uniformity and continuity of the conversation and never talk unless they are given the opportunity to do so.
Another equally important factor that accompanied the forum is the freedom of speech. While some audience commended some government units for their continuing dedication to excellence, there were also others who were inclined to criticise and some ministries. But they expressed their opinions with the conduct and procedure that reflect the good breeding, as prescribed by authority to be observed in social Omani life. When their allocated time ended and the session's chair asked them to take their seats, they did so with all respect and in conformity with the Omani customary mode of acting.
In conclusion, the forum is from the people to the people. It is an initiative made with generous blessings from and gracious approval and support of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for the benefit of Omani people. Attended by around 7,000 Omanis, the third version of the Together Forward forum is characterised by its breadth in orientation and scope, collective effort and a focus on public matters.
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