MUSCAT: The Arab–Asian Facilitators Forum 2026 officially opened in Muscat Governorate, with Oman hosting the landmark regional gathering from January 16 to 20, bringing together around 100 facilitators and leaders from 30 countries across the Arab and Asia-Pacific regions.
Organised by the General Directorate of Scouts, Guides and Student Activities at the Ministry of Education, in partnership with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the forum aims to build leadership capacity, strengthen facilitation skills and promote cooperation within the global Girl Guides movement.
Dr Yaqoub bin Khalfan al Nadabi, Director General of the Directorate General of Scouts, Guides and Student Activities, said Oman’s hosting of the forum reflects the advanced standing of the Omani Scout and Guide movement at regional and international levels.
“This forum is an educational and interactive platform that brings together facilitators and leaders from the Arab and Asia-Pacific regions to exchange experiences, build capacities and enhance facilitation and leadership competencies, contributing to the development of adult training programmes within scouting and guiding organisations,” he said.
He added that the event aligns with Oman’s national priorities in human development, empowering female leaders, supporting youth and volunteerism, and promoting the values of dialogue, diversity and cultural understanding, while enabling the transfer of global best practices to the local context.
The programme features an integrated training curriculum combining theory and practice, focusing on professional facilitation skills, workshop management, interactive learning and the building of cooperation networks in a multicultural environment.
Dr Amal bint Ahmed al Rahbiyah, Director of the Scouts and Guides Project, said Oman’s successful hosting of major guiding events — including the Juliette Low World Symposium 2019 and the 25th Arab Guides Camp 2023 — has positioned the Sultanate of Oman as a trusted regional and international hub for scouting and guiding activities.
“The forum enhances training facilitation skills in diverse contexts and highlights the vital role facilitators play in strengthening the Girl Guides movement and expanding its impact locally, regionally and globally,” she said, noting the focus on WAGGGS-accredited facilitators to ensure quality and sustainability.
Ghofrane Ben Hamed, Head of the Arab Region of Girl Guides and representative of Tunisia, said Oman is the first Arab country to host the Arab–Asian Facilitators Forum, praising the high level of organisation and its role in achieving the forum’s objectives.
The forum opened with a series of interactive working sessions designed to foster collaboration, dialogue and the exchange of experiences among participants from across the two regions. — ONA
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