logo
Oman at 2025 International Youth Forum in New York

Oman at 2025 International Youth Forum in New York

Observer16-04-2025
NEW YORK: The Sultanate of Oman took part in the International Youth Forum organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York, a three-day event aimed at fostering global youth engagement.
Oman's delegation was led by Ahmed Khalaf al Adawi, Advisor for Planning and Studies at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in the presence Ambassador Omar Said al Kathiri, Oman's Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
This marks Oman's third consecutive year participating in the forum, underscoring the ministry's commitment to empowering Omani youth and facilitating their interaction with peers worldwide. The participation aims to explore global best practices in comprehensive development and sustainable economic goals, exchange insights on youth policies and discuss their role in reshaping national and global cultures amid rapid digital and technological advancements. — ONA
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Embassy of India in celebrates 79th 1-Day
Embassy of India in celebrates 79th 1-Day

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

Embassy of India in celebrates 79th 1-Day

MUSCAT, AUG 16 The Embassy of India in Muscat celebrated its 79th Independence Day on August 15 at the embassy premises as well as in their schools besides a large community gathering at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the evening by the Indian Social Club. The Embassy of India hoisted the tricolour flag at 5 am under the auspices of G V Srinivas, Ambassador of India in Oman, and with the participation of more than 1,000 people including members of the Indian and Omani communities at the embassy premises. The Ambassador of India to Oman commenced the celebrations by paying a floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, a global icon of peace and non-violence and raised the national flag of India, accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem. Ambassador Srinivas read out excerpts from the speech delivered on the eve of Independence Day by President of India Droupadi Murmu, emphasising the progress India has made over the past decades and the vision for a prosperous future and in enhancing its relations with Oman which is home for more than 500,000 Indians. Later in the day, the children from various Indian schools in the capital area hosted the Ambassador as chief guest and Syed Salman, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman being the Guest of Honour and members of the Board of Directors, the media, and the SMC in attendance to a spectacular show of solidarity and patriotism. Tavishi Behal Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India in Oman attended the culmination of the Indian Schools' ISM@50 with children as well as parents in attendance at the premises of Indian School Muscat which also recreated the street side food culture as well as various colourful events. Later in the evening, the Board of Directors of the Indian Social Club organised an evening of colourful performances by members of various regional wings that marked a brilliant end to the celebrations of the 79th Independence Day at the Al Bustan Palace. Dr Avirat Vaishnav, Senior Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at Royal Hospital, was honoured with the 'Indian of the Year' Award which is in the 2nd edition for his contributions to the Indian as well as the Omani societies. Babu Rajendran, Chairman of ISC and Shakeel Komoth, Vice Chairman also addressed the audience.

New working group to oversee halal food compliance in Oman
New working group to oversee halal food compliance in Oman

Muscat Daily

timea day ago

  • Muscat Daily

New working group to oversee halal food compliance in Oman

Muscat – Following a ministerial decision (No 215/2025) issued by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the ministry has established a dedicated working group to regulate halal foods in the country. Chaired by Director of Department of Food Specifications and Conformity at the ministry, the group will include representatives from Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs. It will set controls and requirements for halal foods, review and update technical regulations, and re-examine approvals granted to food establishments exporting meat and poultry to Oman. The working group will also coordinate overseas inspections of exporters certified by authorised halal bodies, conduct field visits to local producers and develop a framework for accrediting foreign establishments. Additionally, it will look into governance reforms by creating a system for appointing authorised halal-certification bodies in line with international standards. Halal food – 'permissible' in Arabic – follows dietary guidelines in the Quran that emphasise cleanliness, animal welfare and hygiene. Certification involves auditing preparation practices to ensure the supply chain – from slaughtering to packaging – complies with Islamic law. The decision generated reaction from citizens on social media. Dr Ahmed al Mahrouqi welcomed the move, calling it 'a vital step towards ensuring Omani consumers have complete confidence in the religious and hygienic integrity of what they eat'. He added that aligning certification with global practices would also strengthen Oman's position in international food trade. Another citizen, Khalid al Hinai, said the move reflected 'a strong commitment to Sharia-compliant food standards' and would ensure both imported and locally produced meat products meet the highest religious requirements. 'This will not only boost consumer trust but also strengthen Oman's position as a leader in the halal sector,' he said. Hinai added that hygiene is one of the key reasons many prefer halal food. 'From slaughtering animals to packaging products, hygiene is paramount. This means fewer chances of contamination, resulting in safer food for consumption.'

It's enough to keep you awake at night
It's enough to keep you awake at night

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

It's enough to keep you awake at night

What worries you? What concerns you? It's probably nothing that would appear on an academic list of global concerns, but will almost certainly be something that is personal and experiential, to you, rather than a 'global concern'. That being the truth, why do politicians and the media keep churning out a diversity of issues that they say are our responsibility to remedy, while at the same time they exclude us from genuine inclusion as to the how and why. The reality, I believe, is that they want us concerned about so many issues because it keeps us off balance and subservient. Tell us it's all our fault and make us feel guilty often enough and even the strongest among us will begin to have doubts about the validity of our own opinions. Politicians, I'm sorry to say, are not the best of us, but the worst, having an innate ability to accept responsibility but not blame, to take credit without effort and to hear their constituents while not listening. Khalil Gibran put it very succinctly when he asked: 'Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country?' Answering, 'If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in the desert', saying what most of us think of our current crop. Oman is itself an 'oasis', incredibly fortunate to have had the quality of leadership it has enjoyed for more than half a century, with strong and empathetic leadership, clearly requiring increased accountability, awareness and response-ability from the civil service. The key factor in the Omani leadership model is that they are not opportunists, but educated, trained and guided through their faith and their hierarchy, towards a life of service. Born to rule and to serve. Currently, refugee rights and undocumented immigration are huge issues for America, Europe, but particularly in the UK; and from individual, community and societal perspectives, these are proving deeply divisive to much of the country feeling very much that the hand that feeds is being deeply bitten. While most can understand the need for people to escape poverty or conflict, the extent of the UK's support of illegal immigration to a society suffering under taxation increases, pension cuts and a health service in crisis, with no limits or accountability, is offending much of the electorate. For example, on August 10, 435 arriving 'boat people' were initially processed then distributed around hotels across the UK, receiving free meals and accommodation, healthcare and dental, initial clothing packages, new mobile phones and the first of an initial three months of 49 GBP (RO 25) in weekly cash payments. Halfway through this year, that's 1.25 million GBP (RO 630,000)... every week, for pocket money alone. Talk about an invitation... This situation exists for an initial three months under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act of Parliament (1999), ensuring that asylum seekers don't become destitute. Most are extended for longer periods until an asylum or residence application is approved, as the current backlog can be as long as three years and even denials are then subject to numerous appeals which a 'do-gooding' legal and humanitarian fraternity laps up, while they are feeding at the government legal aid trough. Cynicism is rife as to how many prove to be genuine refugees or asylum seekers, as the government refuses to release statistics. Pointedly, too many of these 'boat people' are destroying their passports before they land, so criminal records or security concerns held for them become meaningless. This is just another horrible manipulation of a trusting and charitable nation, now being seen as nothing but a 'soft touch' and the butt of weak politicians, civil servants and lawyers, all of whom are ironically, paid by the state. Contrast this with the legitimate migration to the UK, of an individual who may be academically qualified, skilled and contributing to their community and society from day one. They will be subjected to a process that is expensive, arduous and has strict financial, health and character requirements. It is the contrast that's enough to keep you awake at night.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store