Latest news with #11thAnnualHumanDevelopmentConference
Observer
2 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Salalah conference urges smarter training policies for AI
SALALAH, JULY 14 The 11th Annual Human Development Conference concluded in Salalah with a unified call to upgrade national training policies and adopt smarter, innovation-led workforce strategies that respond to accelerating technological change. Held under the theme 'Developing Human Capital through Training and Qualification', the two-day event convened senior officials, industry leaders, educators and experts to examine how innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into workforce development, in line with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040. The closing recommendations focused on two main levels: institutional transformation and individual empowerment. At the institutional level, the conference called for the overhaul of traditional training systems. The participants urged public and private sector organisations to align continuous learning programmes with the demands of digital transformation and AI integration. They emphasised the importance of developing structured systems for training needs analysis to ensure resources are directed efficiently and outcomes are measurable. Institutions were also encouraged to implement professional development pathways across all employment tiers to raise productivity and future readiness. At the individual level, the conference urged workers and job-seekers to take greater ownership of their development journeys. This includes setting clear learning goals, pursuing internationally recognised certifications, and actively participating in workshops and volunteer activities — both within and beyond the workplace. These experiences were highlighted as essential for sharpening real-world skills, strengthening employability and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. The final day of the conference featured several expert-led sessions. A technical paper presented by OQ Industrial Investments outlined the company's practical approach to identifying training gaps through systematic needs assessments. Another paper examined how organisational culture can shape the success or failure of training initiatives. A third presentation explored the growing value of professional certifications in driving talent development and organisational competitiveness. Two specialised workshops added further depth to the programme. One focused on real-world applications of AI in learning environments, while the other explored methods for measuring the impact and return on investment (ROI) from training activities. A high-level panel discussion, titled 'Future Trends in Human Development: Advanced Training and Qualification', addressed how governments, industries and academic institutions can collaborate to anticipate future skills gaps and build adaptable, innovation-driven employment ecosystems. Organised by Al Asayel Conferences in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, the Office of the Governor of Dhofar, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Dhofar branch, the conference served as a national platform to align human capital development with global trends. As Oman pushes forward with its Vision 2040 agenda, the Salalah conference reinforced the strategic importance of investing in people, modernising education and training systems, and equipping the workforce for a future defined by digital transformation and continuous change.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
11th Human Development Conference kicks off
SALALAH, JULY 13 The 11th Annual Human Development Conference opened here yesterday, July 13, 2025, at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah, under the theme, 'Developing Human Capital through Training and Qualification.' The event puts a strong focus on innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) as part of national efforts to build future-ready competencies aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and attended by several senior officials, experts, and specialists from Oman and abroad. Organised by Al Asayel Conferences in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, the Office of the Governor of Dhofar, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Dhofar branch, the two-day conference aims to empower national talents and develop the local workforce to meet evolving labour market demands. In his keynote address, Sayyid Salem bin Musallam al Busaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development, presented the opening paper titled, 'Investing in Human Capital through the Lens of Oman Vision 2040.' He emphasised that human development remains central to achieving economic transformation and long-term sustainability. 'Investing in national competencies improves quality of life and creates job opportunities,' Al Busaidi said. 'It is a key driver for economic diversification and building a knowledge-based society capable of navigating future challenges.' Naif bin Hamed Fadhil, Chairman of the OCCI Dhofar Branch, delivered remarks on behalf of the organising committee, calling for integrated strategies to harness the full productive potential of Oman's human capital. 'The global shift towards a knowledge economy demands advanced training and qualification systems,' Fadhil stated. 'We must adopt a holistic model to build analytical and innovative skills within the workforce.' The second paper, titled 'Human Development Policies in the Governorates,' was presented by Shaikh Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah. It was followed by a third presentation by Eng Mohammed bin Hamoud Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Oman Energy Association (OPAL), who discussed the integration of roles between government, training institutions, and professional associations. The first day of the conference also featured a panel discussion titled 'Setting the Compass for Sustainable Human Development' and a workshop on 'Needs Assessment Tools and Methodologies.' The day concluded with a recognition ceremony honouring guest speakers, partners, and supporting organisations. The Human Development Conference serves as a key platform for sharing best practices and advancing dialogue on workforce strategy, digital transformation, and AI integration, all vital for achieving Oman's socio-economic goals.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Human development policies must be tailored to governorate needs
SALALAH, JULY 13 Shaikh Mohammed bin Sulaiman al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, delivered a keynote presentation during the 11th Annual Human Development Conference held in Salalah, calling for a more decentralised and localised approach to development planning in Oman. In his presentation, Al Kindi highlighted a number of persistent challenges facing development at the governorate level. He pointed to the disparity in infrastructure and development opportunities between governorates, noting that weak alignment between educational outcomes and local labour market needs continues to hinder inclusive growth. He also emphasised that limited resources pose a serious obstacle to skills development, particularly in the face of rising demand for technical and vocational competencies. The Governor further identified the slow activation of local partnerships as a constraint on development, citing the need for improved coordination among government agencies, the private sector, and civil society. Youth unemployment, particularly among new graduates, remains high in many governorates, which Al Kindi attributed to a lack of training programmes that are closely aligned with the demands of local economies. He also addressed the growing trend of internal migration from rural areas to urban centres, which, he warned, is weakening the social and economic fabric of many local communities. Finally, he noted that the absence of accurate local-level data makes it difficult to measure the impact of public policies and to base decisions on reliable information. To address these challenges, Al Kindi presented six key policy recommendations. First, he called for the design of localised development programmes tailored to the specific needs of each governorate. This includes developing micro-level development plans that take into account local strengths, weaknesses, and priorities. Second, he advocated for empowering local leadership by transferring certain policy-making powers to governorates. This would allow decision-making to become more responsive and context-driven. Third, he encouraged the strengthening of partnerships with local companies and non-governmental organisations, arguing that such collaborations are essential for delivering targeted development outcomes. Fourth, Al Kindi recommended greater investment in technical and vocational education as well as support for local innovation and entrepreneurship. He stressed the importance of preparing youth for emerging sectors in the local economy. Fifth, he called for improvements in the quality of public services, including the introduction of clearer performance standards, institutional accountability, and continuous evaluation of service delivery. Finally, he proposed the development of localised data platforms that would allow for better monitoring of key development indicators. These platforms would support more informed policy-making and help track the effectiveness of government interventions on the ground. Al Kindi's presentation aligned closely with Oman Vision 2040's emphasis on decentralisation, citizen empowerment, and regional development. His remarks underscored the urgency of building governance models that respond to local realities while contributing to national goals. The conference, which continues through July 14 at Millennium Resort Salalah, provides a platform for exchanging ideas and forging partnerships to advance human development across the Sultanate of Oman.
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Labour Ministry unveils vocational plan for governorates
Salalah: Sayyid Salim bin Musallam al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour for Human Resources Development, affirmed that the Ministry is advancing a new generation of specialised training and development programmes tailored to the specific needs of each governorate. These efforts aim to strengthen human capital and align skills development with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040. Speaking at the 11th Annual Human Development Conference in Salalah, al Busaidi announced that customised training initiatives will be introduced for each governorate, focusing on building local leadership and technical specialisations that directly address regional development requirements. He described the initiative as a strategic step towards decentralised, results-oriented training. He further noted that the Ministry is working to establish clear vocational pathways beginning at the intermediate school level. These pathways will enable Omani youth to pursue professional education aligned with their individual aptitudes and the economic priorities of their local communities. Each governorate will benefit from a unique comparative advantage, with vocational colleges and training centres delivering programmes tailored to those needs. 'We are currently piloting two models to establish a comprehensive vocational track that links education with employment and improves the job readiness of our youth,' said Al Busaidi. He emphasised that these initiatives build upon previous achievements, with renewed focus on enhancing training quality and expanding developmental impact. Al Busaidi concluded by reaffirming the Ministry's commitment to empowering Omanis across all governorates, stating that these targeted programmes represent a transformative phase in national workforce development, built on principles of specialisation, decentralisation, and future-readiness.
