Muscat, Dr Mohammad bin Awadh al Hassan, the Sultanate’s permanent representative to the United Nations, was a guest at the ‘Oman and the United Nations’ dialogue session which is the third and final dialogue session in a series of lectures known as ‘Universality of Oman’, organised by the College of Economics and Political Science at Sultan Qaboos University. It was represented by the Political Science Group which is affiliated to the Business Society and held under the auspices of Her Highness Dr. Mona bint Fahad al Said, Assistant Vice-Chancellor for International Cooperation Office at Sultan Qaboos University. The dialogue was moderated by Dr. Al Mutasim bin Mohammad al Mamari, an IRRS graduate from the Economics and Political Science College.
During the opening of the dialogue session, HH Dr. Mona al Said emphasized the role of the Sultanate of Oman in the United Nations Organisation and its efforts to defuse conflict and conflict in the world, expressing its pride in Omani diplomacy.
“Omani diplomacy has become a distinctive feature through which Oman has been able to create a special place for it in all countries around the world, and various international and regional forums, and we are also very proud of the results of the Omani political and diplomatic experience, which has captured the interest of many researchers, analysts, and specialists in political science,” She said.
Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at SQU, Dr. Mukhtar al Abri welcomed the students and the guests of the dialogue session, noting the role of the ‘Universality of Oman’ chain in helping the students to understand political issues and topics to improve students’ abilities and skills to contribute effectively to the nation-building process.
Dr. Mohammad bin Awadh al Hassan began his speech by clarifying what distinguishes Oman’s relationship with the United Nations, saying: “The relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Nations is perfect and distinguished. Perhaps the most prominent characteristic of this relationship is that the Sultanate was not a burden on the United Nations. On the contrary, Oman has always made extensive efforts to support the goals and principles of the United Nations, represented in non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, building bridges of cooperation and respecting the sovereignty of states.”
He also stressed that the Sultanate is not only committed to the principles of the United Nations but is a key player in the process of settling international disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.
“Oman’s relationship with the United Nations has developed and differed from what it was in the past because the needs of the Sultanate today are different from its needs in 1970. Today, Oman has a new vision: the Oman Vision 2040, and its goals are completely different. In the seventies, Oman was interested in establishing a modern state and providing integrated infrastructure. Today, Oman is directing its attention towards the knowledge economy and towards the localization of technology because today’s world speaks a different language from the seventies. The new generation is also different from the generation of the seventies and eighties, and United Nations appreciates the difference of generations.”
Dr. Mohammad al Hassan also emphasized the importance of Oman Vision 2040, which focuses primarily on developing Omani citizens by focusing on education and innovation. Besides, he spoke about the strong link between economics and politics, indicating that the Sultanate had gained a distinguished reputation and was still the focus of global confidence.
Regarding the Sultanate’s role to end the war in Yemen, Dr Mohammad al Hassan explained the Sultanate’s diplomatic efforts and mediation in ending the Yemen war, stressing that what Oman is doing in this regard is not due to the security concern because the Sultanate is immune in all its parts. Still, it is worried about the difficult humanitarian crisis that Yemen is experiencing. Oman has close historical ties with Yemen, so it is a moral imperative to help her. It is also imperative for the countries of the Cooperation Council to open up to Yemen.”
He affirmed that the Yemeni crisis is on the way to a solution and that he is optimistic that the Yemeni crisis is nearing an end.
He pointed out that Oman operates out of the limelight and in a quiet field because Omani diplomacy aims to achieve the public interest and remove the Gulf region from all disputes and quarrels and not achieve media privileges.
He stressed that the Omani people work silently, with determination. Mentioning the statement issued by the Secretary-General of the United Nations praising the efforts of the Sultanate represented in mediation to find a solution to the Yemen war, achieving the public good. He also added that we have to focus on the opportunities and positive aspects and take advantage of opportunities wherever they are. Finally, he gave important advice to political science students and all those interested in this area. “They should learn and evoke independence of thinking and rationally weigh things.
He affirmed that the youth are the promising future of the nations, and it is important for young people to have confidence in themselves and their leadership.
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