10 October 2010
MUSCAT: Statistics reveal that 50.9 per cent of Oman's population is 24 years and under. Young people are Oman's future employees, employers and decision makers and have a huge stake in the Sultanate's economic and social development.
Keeping this in mind the second Muscat Youth Summit is back with a mission.
Targeting young people, the summit will tackle issues such as entrepreneurship, urban development and media.
One hundred and eighty students belonging to 33 schools and colleges inside Oman and 20 students from other countries will participate in the four-day summit starting from November 1 at the Al Nadha Resort and Spa.
Besides Oman, students aged between 15 and 24-years old will include those from Asia, North America and Europe.
Organised by the Brand Oman Management Unit (BOMU) the summit is supported by Ministry of Education, Unesco, Khimji Ramdas, Omantel, Oman Air, Omran, OMIFCO, Sohar Aluminium, Qalhat LNG, City Cinema, Al Wisal FM and Times of Oman.
The line-up of high-profile organisations delivering workshops includes: The Prince's Trust, the Commonwealth Secretariat, The Young Foundation, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Aedas Architects, SB.TV, Atkins, Intilaaqah, Knowledge Horizon and GUTech.
"My agenda for the summit was to show the world that Oman respects, listens and engages the youth.
"Young people must ultimately feel that they are in charge of their own destiny; so, we have to give them the encouragement, support and where necessary, challenge to fulfil their ambitions," said His Highness Sayyid Faisal Al Said, COO, BOMU.
Sayyid Faisal also added that "If we're intent on raising Oman's international competitiveness then we need to focus on youth entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial acumen needs to come at an early age.
Creativity, innovation, drive and a willingness to risk-taking subsides when we get older.
"We've got to keep these traits alive. Introducing entrepreneurship to young people isn't just important, it's critical to Oman's long-term development."
Sayyid Faisal also hoped that the event will grow into a youth festival in the coming years.
Saying that the government has taken a keen interest in the event, HH Sayyid Faisal informed that ministers and undersecretaries will be visiting the summit venue to interact with the students.
Alya Al Hosni and Muscat Youth Summit project manager said, "Despite the current global economic challenges and vulnerabilities, entrepreneurship can act as the engine for economic growth as well as provide a successful route to long-term employment, especially if entrepreneurs receive the right support and advice in the business start-up phase. It's these issues that the Muscat Youth Summit will highlight. We have to introduce young people to the outstanding opportunities that the global enterprise culture can offer.
The partners for the event were appreciative of BOMU's efforts. All of them were unanimous in commending the BOMU for pioneering the formation of a platform for youth to voice their opinions.
MUSCAT: Statistics reveal that 50.9 per cent of Oman's population is 24 years and under. Young people are Oman's future employees, employers and decision makers and have a huge stake in the Sultanate's economic and social development.
Keeping this in mind the second Muscat Youth Summit is back with a mission.
Targeting young people, the summit will tackle issues such as entrepreneurship, urban development and media.
One hundred and eighty students belonging to 33 schools and colleges inside Oman and 20 students from other countries will participate in the four-day summit starting from November 1 at the Al Nadha Resort and Spa.
Besides Oman, students aged between 15 and 24-years old will include those from Asia, North America and Europe.
Organised by the Brand Oman Management Unit (BOMU) the summit is supported by Ministry of Education, Unesco, Khimji Ramdas, Omantel, Oman Air, Omran, OMIFCO, Sohar Aluminium, Qalhat LNG, City Cinema, Al Wisal FM and Times of Oman.
The line-up of high-profile organisations delivering workshops includes: The Prince's Trust, the Commonwealth Secretariat, The Young Foundation, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Aedas Architects, SB.TV, Atkins, Intilaaqah, Knowledge Horizon and GUTech.
"My agenda for the summit was to show the world that Oman respects, listens and engages the youth.
"Young people must ultimately feel that they are in charge of their own destiny; so, we have to give them the encouragement, support and where necessary, challenge to fulfil their ambitions," said His Highness Sayyid Faisal Al Said, COO, BOMU.
Sayyid Faisal also added that "If we're intent on raising Oman's international competitiveness then we need to focus on youth entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial acumen needs to come at an early age.
Creativity, innovation, drive and a willingness to risk-taking subsides when we get older.
"We've got to keep these traits alive. Introducing entrepreneurship to young people isn't just important, it's critical to Oman's long-term development."
Sayyid Faisal also hoped that the event will grow into a youth festival in the coming years.
Saying that the government has taken a keen interest in the event, HH Sayyid Faisal informed that ministers and undersecretaries will be visiting the summit venue to interact with the students.
Alya Al Hosni and Muscat Youth Summit project manager said, "Despite the current global economic challenges and vulnerabilities, entrepreneurship can act as the engine for economic growth as well as provide a successful route to long-term employment, especially if entrepreneurs receive the right support and advice in the business start-up phase. It's these issues that the Muscat Youth Summit will highlight. We have to introduce young people to the outstanding opportunities that the global enterprise culture can offer.
The partners for the event were appreciative of BOMU's efforts. All of them were unanimous in commending the BOMU for pioneering the formation of a platform for youth to voice their opinions.
By Mrudu Naik
© Times of Oman 2010
