MUSCAT: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has announced the opening of registration for the fourth edition of the Young Ambassadors Programme, scheduled to take place in November of this year in the Governorate of Muscat.
This edition follows three highly successful iterations that witnessed significant interest from Omani and Arab youth and contributed to delivering an integrated educational and training experience. The programme enabled participants to explore a wide range of international issues and gain insight into the mechanisms of decision-making and voting procedures within United Nations meetings, through a diverse array of specialised events and activities.
The programme encompasses a set of core components, including meetings that bring young participants together with diplomatic leaders, training workshops conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), a specialised workshop on protocol and etiquette, a simulation session as part of the Model United Nations programme, a diplomatic dinner, a daily bulletin detailing session proceedings, as well as sightseeing and orientation tours for participants. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive experience that integrates knowledge acquisition, training, practical application, and networking.
Hilal bin Saif al Siyabi, Director-General of Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, stated that the Young Ambassadors Programme is one of the flagship specialised initiatives implemented by the ministry in the field of youth empowerment and capacity development. He noted that the programme offers an integrated experience combining knowledge, training, and hands-on practice, and enjoys considerable attention and demand from young people — a trend reflected in the registration numbers recorded over the past three editions.
Regarding the fourth edition of the programme, he explained that it is expected to witness an expansion in the number of participants, with a target total of 160 participants, alongside an expansion in the scope of participating countries beyond the Sultanate of Oman. He affirmed that the ministry, through such programmes, seeks to create broader opportunities for young people to benefit from high-calibre experiences, develop their skills and capacities, and strengthen their presence and participation across diverse fields.
Malak al Musalmani, a participant in the third edition of the programme and a graduate of Sultan Qaboos University majoring in English Language and Literature, stated that she joined the programme out of a firm belief in the importance of dialogue, youth diplomacy, and a sense of responsibility toward issues and ideas.
She noted that the programme largely achieved its objectives, providing participants with an environment that simulates real diplomatic work, encouraging constructive debate, decision-making, and teamwork, while also fostering mutual understanding among youth from diverse backgrounds.
For her part, Aisha bint Khalid al Busaidi, a graduate of Sultan Qaboos University majoring in Political Science and a participant in the second edition of the Young Ambassadors Programme, explained that her involvement in the programme helped equip her with the necessary skills in diplomacy, dialogue, and decision-making. She added that the programme also reinforced her commitment to the principles of dialogue and teamwork, contributing to the development of a conscious and promising generation capable of showcasing the identity and essence of the Omani character in regional and international forums. - ONA
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