SALALAH: Around 400 local and international delegates gathered in Salalah to participate in the ‘Labour Forum’, a significant event organised by the Ministry of Labour to help shape the future of employment in Oman.
Comprising a series of workshops, the Forum began on Sunday, at the Millennium Hotel Salalah under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour.
The opening brought together a diverse array of experts, government officials, business leaders, and investors.
Through a series of 12 sessions featuring approximately 40 speakers, the forum underscores Oman's commitment to navigating current labour market challenges and exploring new opportunities.
This forum is emblematic of Oman’s broader strategy to foster collaboration across governmental, private, and academic sectors. By aligning with the goals of 'Oman Vision 2040', the event aims to tackle critical issues such as human resource development, entrepreneurship, economic support, social responsibility, and the creation of a dignified work environment.
These themes will be explored in-depth, reflecting Oman’s dedication to achieving sustainable development through integrated efforts and unified visions.
Key local partners in this initiative include the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the General Federation of Oman Workers, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, and the National Employment Programme.
These organisations are instrumental in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the forum, contributing to a robust dialogue on the future of work in Oman.
On the international front, the forum is supported by the International Labour Organization, the Arab Labour Organization, the Arab Administrative Development Organization, and the Executive Bureau of the Council of Labour Ministers and the Council of Social Affairs Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Their involvement ensures a broad and diverse perspective on global and regional employment trends and policies.
Various sessions will delve into critical themes, including the Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work Forum, scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday. This segment will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by new work patterns in the context of globalisation and technological advancement, prepare the workforce for rapid changes, assess government readiness for future skills, and evaluate AI’s role in enhancing the work environment.
Following this, the Entrepreneurship, Employment Policies, and Localisation Conference, taking place on August 18-19, will address the importance of job localisation for the national economy, successful models of job localisation in the private sector, sustainable employment and entrepreneurship, and the relationship between entrepreneurship and innovation.
Finally, the Career Guidance and Coaching Seminar, scheduled for August 28-29, will tackle the challenges and solutions in the Arab career guidance and coaching system, the impact of guidance and coaching on the labour market, the role of career guidance in achieving sustainable development goals, and the influence of new work patterns on competitive capabilities.
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