Muscat: The Ministry of Social Development today organized the Civil Society Institutions Forum, aiming to qualify and empower civil society institutions by equipping them with skills and knowledge for better resource management, member qualification, and institutional performance enhancement. This initiative will span two days.
According to Oman News Agency, the event commenced under the patronage of Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development. It gathered representatives from volunteer teams, professional associations, and charitable societies, focusing on exchanging experiences and successful practices in social responsibility, investment, and empowerment.
The forum's agenda includes a series of scientific and dialogue sessions addressing topics related to sustainability and empowerment within the civil society sector. The first session explored sustainability in volunteer work, emphasizing its role in community development and enhancing the impact of volunteer initiatives.
In the second session, the focus shifted to Social Responsibility and Sustainable Investment. This session reviewed mechanisms for leveraging social responsibility programs of private sector companies in Oman, showcasing successful models such as the Imam Jabir bin Zaid Foundation, Manah Volunteer Team, and Al Rahmah Association for Motherhood and Childhood Care.
On the second day, the forum will delve into Empowerment in the Civil Society sector, featuring practical experiences and addressing self-employed workers and others in similar situations. It will also highlight successful economic empowerment projects, including efforts by the Yanqul Volunteer Team and the Omani Women's Association in Wilayat of A'Seeb.
Concluding the forum, a session will discuss the identity of civil society institutions in the context of e-marketing and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants will be introduced to the Joud platform for charity work and the Ayadi platform for volunteer work. The session will also review the Ibra Volunteer Team's experience, reflecting the evolution of volunteer work towards innovation, sustainability, and enhanced community impact.