MUSCAT: The 'Local Administration Forum: Decentralisation and Empowering Governorates – Prospects for Comprehensive and Sustainable Development' was launched on Sunday under the auspices of Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidy, Minister of Interior. The forum aims to establish the foundations and principles of decentralisation and explore ways to enhance its implementation in the governorates.
The two-day forum targets more than 150 participants representing national leadership, governors, heads of the municipalities of Muscat and Dhofar, and people in sectors related to the forum’s themes, in addition to members of municipal councils, and offices following up on the implementation of the Oman Vision 2040 in the governorates and municipalities.
The forum also saw the presence of international experts, reflecting global confidence in the strategic directions of the Sultanate of Oman and confirming that governorates have become part of an international community with advanced models of development solutions.
The forum is being organised in line with the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, aimed at strengthening the decentralisation approach and empowering governorates across to lead their development priorities, in accordance with the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040. This also seeks to consolidate the principles of modern local governance and enhance institutional integration at the governorate level.
Speaking on the occasion, Sayyid Khalifa bin Al Murdas al Busaidy, Secretary-General of Governorates Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, emphasised that this forum embodies Oman's commitment to establishing decentralisation as a fundamental approach to enhancing the efficiency of government performance, improving the quality of services, and supporting sustainable development in all governorates. He stated that the forum represents an important platform for exchanging national and international expertise, exploring the future of local governance and developing an integrated model based on participation, accountability, and effective governance.
Dr Ali bin Qasim al Lawati, President of the Royal Academy of Administration, stated: “The shift towards decentralisation and empowering the governorates in Oman is not merely a redistribution of powers, but rather an alignment with the strategic vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which transforms the concept of centralised service management into one of local leadership for development.”
Dr Al Lawati pointed out that decentralisation is not simply a measure to alleviate the burdens on the central government, but a means to amplify the nation’s strength and economic growth.
He added: “This forum is not merely a platform for dialogue, but a bridge to global knowledge through urban diplomacy, connecting the governorates with international best practices by offering practical and applicable solutions.”
The forum aims to promote social and economic development in support of comprehensive and sustainable local growth and development, while activating the role of the governorates in creating job opportunities and leveraging their competitive advantages, comparative advantages, and economic potential. This event will also explore the role of municipalities in the local governance system, empower national talent and capabilities, and enhance institutional capacities through tailored panel discussions and workshops aligned with the forum's main themes.
Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen al Ghasani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, said in a statement that the forum aims to exchange experiences among the participating experts, which contributes to developing the work of local administration within the framework of a plan by the Ministry of Interior and the Royal Academy of Administration to develop a more ambitious vision for the technical aspects of local administration in Oman.
Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of Al Sharqiyah South, stated: "The forum's four themes are supported by legislative, administrative, financial, and coordination requirements and enablers. What's significant about this forum is that it has brought together a range of experiences from across the region and the world, representing various government entities. This reinforces Oman's vision of achieving local leadership, governance, and decentralisation, ultimately leading to the realisation of the Vision's objectives."
Dr Majid Halawani from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said, "I am pleased to participate in the forum, where I will present the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's experience in municipal transformation, which aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The Sultanate of Oman has Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to empower the governorates, and this will have a positive impact. I will also present a working paper in line with the exchange of experiences."
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