MUSCAT: The Al Sharqiyah South Governorate hosted a dialogue session where school students interacted with Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health. It was jointly organised by the Ministry of Health, the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the Ministry of Education (MoE). The session comes within the framework of Oman's World Children's Day celebrations, to enhance dialogue with the younger generations about their issues and future aspirations.
The session was attended by Dr Yahya bin Badr al Maawali, Governor of Al Sharqiyah South, Sumaira Chowdhury, Unicef Representative in the Sultanate of Oman, and officials .
Dr Al Sabti stressed the importance of involving children and youth in discussions that concern their future, saying: “These sessions represent a unique platform for listening to students' opinions and exchanging ideas about issues that affect them. Children and youth are the pillars of the future, and we must provide them with the necessary support to be active participants in shaping their vision for the future.”
The students discussed a range of topics with the minister, including children’s rights and health services provided to them and the most prominent achievements of the Ministry of Health in this field. They also discussed the role of youth in facing climate challenges through innovative projects that contribute to reducing the effects of climate change, emphasising the need to empower youth to become true leaders in environmental issues.
Dr Al Maawali said; “Celebrating World Children’s Day through these meetings reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to enabling children to express their opinions on legislative and rights issues that concern them. Children are not just recipients, but rather essential partners in decision-making and contributing to building a brighter future for Oman.”
Chowdhury said: “Hearing the voices of children and youth in these dialogue sessions gives them the motivation to actively participate in building a world that reflects their aspirations and values. We are grateful for the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman in supporting children’s rights and implementing international laws that guarantee their protection and meet their basic needs.”
She pointed out that this session comes within the framework of Oman’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and Oman Vision 2040, stressing that listening to the aspirations of the new generation is an important step towards building a human-centred future.
The session emphasised the principles of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, which are based on non-discrimination, the right to life, survival, and development, and ensuring that the child’s voice is heard and his or her opinions are respected. The Convention obliges States to develop their policies and procedures in line with the best interests of the child while assuming responsibility before the international community to achieve this.
This initiative comes as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance partnerships between different sectors in the Sultanate of Oman and highlight the role of children and youth as essential partners in achieving Oman Vision 2040.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
