MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Education, joins the world to celebrate the International Day of Education, which is observed on January 24 annually.
This year, the occasion is celebrated under the theme: ‘The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education. The theme underscores the pivotal role young people play in developing educational systems and building a sustainable future.
Oman embodies this theme through a range of national initiatives and policies that place youth at the heart of the educational and developmental process. A key example is the youth’s participation in shaping Oman Vision 2040 out of a belief in their capabilities and genuine contributions to shaping the future.
Oman achieved remarkable progress in the 2023 Youth Development Index, advancing to 33rd place globally, a jump of 19 places. This underscores its ongoing commitment to empowering youth and enhancing their active participation across various sectors particularly education.
The Ministry of Education has also introduced technical, vocational, and technological education tracks in secondary education to meet labour market demands and enhance students’ readiness for future opportunities. This is in addition to supporting the participation of Omani youth in international forums, including the Unesco World Youth Forum.
The Ministry of Education continues its efforts to implement the Youth Declaration issued by the Education Transformation Summit by forming the National Team for Monitoring the Greening of Education, with the participation of youth organisations. It also organises ongoing youth dialogues between university students and decision-makers on issues of leadership, innovation, and the labour market.
These efforts complement the national initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth, most notably the Youth Ambassadors Project and the Youth Excellence Award, which contribute to developing youths’ skills and strengthening their role in society.
Oman’s participation in the celebration of the International Day of Education affirms its commitment to empowering youth and consolidating their role as active partners in shaping education and building a future based on knowledge and innovation. — ONA
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