MUSCAT: The second edition of the Oman Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Forum and Awards underscored the need to move beyond standalone initiatives toward a unified, governance-led national CSR system that delivers measurable social and economic impact.
Organised by United Media Services Company and inaugurated by Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, the forum focused on aligning corporate social responsibility with sustainable development goals and the priorities of Oman Vision 2040.
Saeed bin Masoud al Mashani, Deputy CEO of United Media Services, said the forum positions social responsibility as a strategic instrument that supports national policies and strengthens trust between institutions and society. He stressed the importance of governance, coordinated efforts and maximising returns from community investments.
Highlighting global trends, Mubarak bin Khamis al Hamdani, Director of the National Office for Future Foresight at the Ministry of Economy, noted that CSR is increasingly linked to long-term financial performance. He pointed to a shift towards more structured models based on legislation, disclosure, impact measurement and the integration of social and environmental performance within value and investment chains.
Majida bint Sheikhan al Maamari, Director of the Sustainable Investment Center at the Muscat Stock Exchange, emphasised the need to strengthen governance and transparency, unify standards and adopt clear methodologies for measuring impact. She highlighted the exchange’s role in encouraging listed companies to adopt sustainability practices and ESG-aligned disclosures.
The forum also showcased institutional case studies. Dr Waleed bin Khalid al Rajhi, Dean of Planning and Quality Management at the University of Nizwa, outlined the university’s integrated CSR framework built on strategic planning, clearly defined roles and systematic impact assessment.
From civil society, Hamoud bin Mohammed al Shidhani, Chairman of the Omani Association for People with Hearing Impairments, detailed the association’s comprehensive programmes aimed at empowerment and inclusion, spanning rehabilitation, training, sign-language awareness, and access to assistive technologies.
Amina bint Ibrahim al Shizawiya of the Jusoor Foundation highlighted the foundation’s governance-based CSR model, stressing that sustainable development requires structured planning and rigorous impact measurement rather than ad hoc initiatives.
Engineer Ahmed bin Mohammed al Balushi of Dar Al-Atta Association explained how the organisation is transforming charitable work into a sustainable development system through integrated programmes covering housing, education, social support and economic empowerment, underpinned by transparency and best-practice governance.
Basma bint Hamad al Kiyumi of the Omani Women’s Academy outlined the academy’s efforts to build women’s professional and leadership capacities through targeted training programmes that enhance economic and social participation.
A panel discussion titled “Social Responsibility in the Sultanate of Oman: From Initiatives to a Sustainable National System” concluded the forum, calling for stronger public-private-civil society partnerships, unified frameworks and robust impact measurement to maximise the long-term value of corporate community investments. — ONA
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