The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth launched the second edition of the 'Youth Ambassadors Programme' on Monday, with the participation of 14 Gulf and Arab countries.
This event is being held in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), from September 15 to 19. The opening ceremony took place at the Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science, under the auspices of Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Foreign Ministry for Diplomatic Affairs.
At the start of the event, Hilal al Siyabi, Director-General of the General-Directorate of Youth, delivered a speech emphasising that the 'Youth Ambassadors Programme' reflects the ministry’s commitment to preparing a generation of young national leaders capable of representing the Sultanate of Oman in regional and international forums in the best possible way.
He added that the project not only focuses on developing diplomatic skills among youth but also aims to enrich discussions on global issues and equip young people with the necessary tools to face the challenges they encounter today.
Al Siyabi further explained that the project aims to enhance Omani youth presence in international forums by acquiring the essential skills and knowledge to represent the Sultanate of Oman abroad. It also introduces young people to the mechanisms of regional and international organisations, which broadens their horizons and strengthens their ability to influence international decision-making.
Al Siyabi pointed out that the second edition of the project includes the participation of 100 young men and women, 21 of whom are from Gulf and Arab countries, while 79 are from Oman. The project's activities, spanning five days, will include training workshops in cooperation with the United Nations Institute, as well as a Model United Nations simulation session.
Achievements of the First Edition of the programme
It is worth mentioning that the programme is part of the Tenth Five-Year Plan to enhance youth participation and develop their skills. The first edition of the project was launched last year, where 75 young men and women were trained in leadership and diplomacy, which enhanced their presence in international forums and introduced them to the principles of the United Nations.
The Model United Nations for Youth is one of the key activities accompanying the project, where a simulation session is organised with the participation of 100 young men and women, along with representatives from governmental and private institutions, international organisations, academics and entrepreneurs. This model allows young people to simulate the workings of United Nations bodies, including the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. Participants take on roles as diplomats representing various countries and organisations, discussing global issues of concern to youth.
Through these simulation sessions, participants learn how the international community responds to pressing global issues such as peace, security, human rights, the environment and sustainable development. This experience provides them with an opportunity to delve deeper into the needs, goals and foreign policies of the countries they represent, helping them gain new insights into international relations and their challenges.
Additionally, this experience contributes to developing the youth's skills in research, analysis and negotiation, as well as enhancing their ability to think critically and make informed decisions based on accurate and comprehensive information. Engaging in this simulation offers participants an unforgettable learning experience that helps build a generation that is aware and capable of interacting with international issues effectively and professionally.
Wael al Kalbani said: "My participation in the first edition of the programme was a rich and impactful journey on a personal level, as it enhanced my diplomatic and international work skills and I gained a deeper understanding of the principles and foundations of Oman’s foreign policy. The programme was a window to the world for me, through discussions and analyses in the Model United Nations simulation sessions, and meetings with inspiring diplomatic figures."
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