Muscat: Following its successful cooperation as a strategic partner for the recent TEDx event held at the iconic Al Zubair Museum, Knowledge Oman (KO) is now all set to launch a new initiative that honors local thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers through compelling storytelling and action-driven dialogue.
The new initiative, KO Talks, aims to empower local voices and provides a forum for important conversations based on the Omani experience.
“Through our recent partnership with the TEDx organizers, we have learned what it takes to create a local platform that is authentic, made by people living in Oman for Oman, to tell stories that matter to our future, our youth, and our nation,” said Knowledge Oman President Balqees Al Hassani. “We believe that inspiration is not something we have to look far for; it’s right here within our people. ”
As part of the announcement of the new initiative, Knowledge Oman has designated Usama Samir AlLawati, a recent graduate of the National Leadership Program for Omani Middle Management in the Private Sector (ETIMAD) at the Royal Academy of Management, as project manager.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Usama’s caliber lead this project,” Al Hassani said. “His strategic mindset, background, and commitment to national development make him an ideal candidate to lead the initiative. ”
Usama Samir AlLawati is the Senior Strategic Program Manager at Ooredoo Oman, where he manages important strategic programs and projects. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (2008) and a Master's degree in Telecommunications (2010) from the University of Washington.
AlLawati has been a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) since 2018 and will graduate from the Royal Academy of Management in 2024 with the National Leadership Program for Omani Middle Management in the Private Sector (ETIMAD).
The KO Talks initiative is exclusively for those residing in Oman and GCC-based voices, emphasizing regional impact tales. To ensure broader participation, talks will be conducted in Arabic and English.
Every session will conclude with a call to action to foster ongoing community engagement and impact. The initiative will be held regularly, with each edition focusing on a specific theme such as youth leadership, sustainability, innovation, or women in business. Omani artistic, musical, and storytelling traditions will be smoothly incorporated into each event.
The first edition of KO Talks will take place at the end of this year, 2025, under the theme "Ideas for Change, Together We Can. " The event will feature prominent speakers from across sectors to inspire and motivate the next wave of leaders.
Founded by Tariq Al Barwani, a notable Omani technologist, entrepreneur, and social innovator. Knowledge Oman is entirely volunteer-driven and has evolved into one of the most renowned knowledge-sharing movements in the Sultanate. Over the years, Knowledge Oman has undertaken significant projects, partnered with global and local partners, and empowered thousands of people around the country. Its success is based on its dedication to encouraging learning, leadership, and community participation.
