Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has reiterated its commitment to enhancing the role of women in science, technology, and human rights during its participation in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, taking place from March 10 to 21, 2025.
Leading the Omani delegation, Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, underscored the country's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to scientific innovation among Omani women. “Oman is dedicated to establishing a supportive ecosystem for women’s advancements in science and technology, thereby empowering them to reach significant achievements both regionally and internationally,” she stated.
During the side event titled “Women and Technology: Inspiring Stories in the GCC Countries,” Al Najjar discussed Oman’s initiatives to enhance educational and vocational frameworks in alignment with labor market needs.
She noted that the nation has invested in modern facilities, including digital laboratories, to meet technological demands, ensuring that women are adequately prepared for careers in emerging scientific sectors. She also highlighted a rise in female enrollment in science and technology programs for the academic year 2024/2025 as evidence of these initiatives.
Oman's engagement at CSW69 included a high-level interactive dialogue with regional committees, where Al Najjar presented a speech on the “Muscat Declaration on Progress in Implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in the Arab Region after Thirty Years.”
She emphasized that the "Beijing Declaration" provides strategic avenues for enhancing women's rights and promoting their empowerment on a global scale.
On the international front, Al Najjar vehemently criticized the ongoing Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territories, condemning serious breaches of international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide.
She highlighted the importance of complying with international resolutions and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning the illegal status of the occupation.
Additionally, she expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, particularly the rising violence against women and girls. She pointed out that regional conflicts and crises result in forced displacement, loss of essential services, and heightened insecurity, which disproportionately impact women.
Oman's involvement in CSW69 underscores its steadfast commitment to promoting women's empowerment, both domestically and internationally, ensuring that issues affecting women remain central to global discussions.
