Muscat: Under the esteemed patronage of Major General Khalifa Ali Al Siyabi, the Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Administrative and Financial Affairs, alongside the distinguished presence of Dr. Saeed Hamad Al-Rubaie, the Vice Chancellor of the University, the "Citizenship and Digital Citizenship in Higher Education Curricula: Sustainable Horizons" forum was inaugurated at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in AL Mussanah.
The proceedings commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Nasser Salem Al Baimani, the Assistant President Vice Chancellor at the branch, who articulated, "This forum is designed to champion and cultivate the principles of citizenship and digital citizenship among Oman's populace, with a particular focus on university students. This objective will be realized through the integration of these principles into the educational frameworks through meticulously planned strategies and policies. The ultimate aim is to augment citizenship, bolster national education, and establish it as a cornerstone in the strategic planning of higher education institutions."
The forum featured a workshop titled "Enhancing Citizenship in the Digital Age: The Strategic Role of Higher Education Institutions," delivered by Dr. Moza Al Saadi. Additionally, the event was enriched with a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Hanan Abdulaziz Al Kindi, which included contributions from academics and specialists. The dialogue covered a range of pertinent topics, such as the Educational Role of Mosques in instilling citizenship values, as highlighted by Professor Dr. Muslim Salem Al Wahibi, and the Role of Islamic Culture in the Enhancement of National Identity and Digital Citizenship, as presented by Dr. Ahmed Al Haddad. The session further explored the significance of Citizenship in Higher Education Curricula, as discussed by Dr. Aziza Abdullah Al Ta'i, and the incorporation of citizenship values in fifth-grade textbooks in Oman, in alignment with the 2020 Sustainable Development Goals, as shared by Dr. Hashil Said Al Ghafri.
The event was complemented by an exhibition and included a student debate championship, culminating in a musical performance by the students and the final round of the student debate championship among the participating universities.
The forum underscores the critical role of citizenship in Oman as a foundational element in the pursuit of sustainable development. Oman Vision 2040 underscores the importance of national identity, heritage, education, and scientific research, with the ambition of cultivating national capacities capable of fostering a society that is proud of its identity and committed to its responsibilities.
