The Sultanate of Oman, at the 225th session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, emphasized the importance of "investing in people through education, culture, and knowledge" as a foundation for building sustainable peace.
Oman's Commitment to International Cooperation
Amna bint Salem Al-Balushi, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to UNESCO, referred in this session to Oman's enduring commitment to supporting multilateral international initiatives. In her speech, she mentioned the historic visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to UNESCO headquarters in June 2026, noting that this visit reflects Oman's deep belief in the importance of investing in people as one of the main pillars for achieving development and sustainable peace.
Read more: Development of Youth Listening Skills in Oman and Its Impact on Success
Protection of Cultural Heritage
The Permanent Representative of Oman also emphasized the establishment of the UNESCO-Sultan Haitham Award for the protection of intangible cultural heritage, describing this award as an important Omani contribution to international efforts to protect living heritage and empower communities to preserve their cultural heritage.
She also expressed pride in the Sultanate of Oman's support for the "Global Heritage Capacity Building Program" launched in several East African countries in collaboration with UNESCO. This program helps strengthen national capacities and supports efforts to showcase Africa's rich cultural sites and secure their listing in the World Heritage List.
Amna bint Salem Al-Balushi also stressed the need to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process and recalled Oman's active participation in international meetings to shape the educational agenda post-2030, especially through the country's membership in the High-Level Steering Committee for SDG 4 - Education 2030.
She also referred to the establishment of the "UNESCO Chair in Waste-to-Fuel Innovations at Muscat University," which increases the number of UNESCO chairs in the Sultanate of Oman to nine.
The Permanent Representative of Oman to UNESCO also emphasized the need to strengthen UNESCO's role in supporting the education and culture sectors in conflict-affected areas and appreciated UNESCO's efforts to address challenges.
In conclusion, she referred to the Sultanate of Oman's international initiative titled "Muscat Plan" as a vital framework for enhancing dialogue, addressing conflicts, and strengthening social cohesion, reiterating the Sultanate of Oman's support for the "UNESCO 80" initiative.
Read more: Canadian Author Anne Carson Wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature · Iran: Agreement with Oman on Safe Passageways in the Strait of Hormuz
