Muscat: UNICEF Oman, in collaboration with government counterparts, business partners, and community leaders, activated a vibrant ‘Listen to the Future’ campaign across the Sultanate of Oman. The campaign highlighted children’s voices and showcased Oman’s commitment to their rights, aligning with Oman Vision 2040.

According to Oman News Agency, this initiative comes within the framework of celebrating World Children’s Day (WCD) and the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC35). It aligns with the year’s theme emphasizing the importance of amplifying children’s voices to tackle pressing global challenges and ensure a brighter future for every child.

UNICEF Oman organized a series of roundtable discussions across the country to achieve this goal. These discussions brought together students from South Al Batinah Governorate and Al Dakhiliyah Governorate with various decision-makers, including Dr. Hilal Al-Sabti, the Minister of Health, and Dr. Rashid Al Balushi, the Chairman of the
Oman Human Rights Commission, to foster meaningful dialogue on children’s rights and the challenges they face.

The roundtable discussions were hosted by Yahya Badr Al Mawali, Governor of South Al Sharqiyah, and Sheikh Saleh Dhiyab Al Rubaiey, Wali of Nizwa. The ‘Listen to the Future’ campaign witnessed remarkable collaboration among UN agencies, community leaders, and social media influencers, who united to spread a shared message of support for Oman’s children during the period starting November 20th, coinciding with Oman’s national day festive season.

“As we celebrate World Children’s Day and the 35th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, we reaffirm our commitment to working with the Government of Oman, partners, and the community to protect, empower, and elevate the voices of every child,” stated UNICEF Oman’s Representative, Sumaira Chowdhury. She added, “Together, we are building a future that aligns with Oman Vision 2040, ensuring that children are at the heart of the nation’s dev
elopment.”

Hamad Al-Alawi, an 8th-grade student at Abul Rahman bin Auf School in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, reflected on the significance of this year’s World Children’s Day theme, saying, “This slogan deeply resonated with me, as it highlights the critical importance of hearing students’ perspectives on issues that impact us and collaboratively discussing ways to address these concerns from our viewpoint.”

UNICEF Oman’s ongoing collaboration with its partners reflects the country’s dedication to placing children at the forefront of its development agenda, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The activities organized this year underscore the shared responsibility of nurturing a future where every child’s rights are upheld, and their potential is realized.