MUSCAT, Oman — Oman’s Ministry of Education, in cooperation with Sultan Qaboos University, organized a workshop aimed at strengthening the role of learning cities in promoting social innovation and sustainable development.

The event, titled “Supporting Social Innovation in Learning Cities,” was held on June 10 under the patronage of Dr. Intisar bint Abdullah Al Ambusaidi, Undersecretary for Educational Support Programs at the Ministry of Education and Vice Chairperson of the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

The workshop brought together government officials, academics, educational planners and representatives from Omani cities that are members of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities. Participants explored ways to develop innovative solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges while encouraging cooperation among institutions and communities.

According to organizers, the workshop sought to increase understanding of social innovation and its importance in local community development. It also highlighted successful experiences and best practices from around the world while helping participants design initiatives capable of addressing major societal issues.

The program emphasized the importance of building partnerships between education institutions, government agencies, the private sector and local communities to create projects with lasting social impact.

During the event, Dr. Mahmoud bin Abdullah Al Abri, Secretary of the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, stressed the importance of strengthening learning cities as effective platforms for lifelong learning and sustainable development.

He noted that the inclusion of Muscat, Sur and Nizwa in UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities reflects Oman’s commitment to building a knowledge-based society in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

According to Al Abri, social innovation can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and creativity by promoting cooperation between universities, government institutions, businesses and local communities.

He also highlighted the need to build national capabilities, exchange experiences and expand regional and international partnerships to ensure the long-term sustainability of Oman’s learning cities and improve their competitiveness for international recognition, including UNESCO’s Global Learning Cities Award.

Dr. Aisha bint Salem Al Harthy, head of the research team behind the Social Innovation Support Project in Oman’s Learning Cities at Sultan Qaboos University, said rapid economic, social and technological changes have made social innovation increasingly important.

She explained that learning cities provide an ideal environment where education goes beyond the transfer of knowledge and becomes a tool for generating solutions that contribute to sustainable development and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040.

Al Harthy noted that UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities promotes lifelong learning and encourages the use of innovation and technology to improve quality of life.

As part of the discussions, Al Harthy referred to the Colombian city of Medellín as a successful international example of how social innovation and educational programs can address social challenges. She said cooperation among various sectors helped reduce school dropout rates and supported broader community development.

She emphasized that meaningful and lasting social change depends on genuine collaboration and that many local challenges can become opportunities for innovation and progress.

Several working papers presented during the workshop examined the experiences of Oman’s learning cities and explored how lifelong learning and knowledge-sharing can help create more sustainable and inclusive societies.

Discussions also focused on the role of social innovation in achieving Oman Vision 2040 and supporting social entrepreneurship as a way to improve quality of life and encourage sustainable growth.

Representatives from Muscat, Sur and Nizwa, along with university deans, researchers, educational planners and experts interested in urban and municipal development, attended the event.

The workshop forms part of Oman’s broader efforts to strengthen knowledge societies and equip communities with innovative and sustainable solutions to future challenges, supporting the country's long-term development goals under Oman Vision 2040.

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