Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue opens
His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs, Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, on Monday presided over the opening of Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue.
The two-day event, held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), is organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, in cooperation with the International Science Council (ISC). The forum will be attended by more than 400 scientific, industrial and political figures from 132 countries around the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, underscored the importance of the event in exchanging knowledge and expertise to enhance cooperation between countries and peoples to face global challenges.
She stressed the necessity of converting knowledge and innovative ideas to economic and social gains in a bid to achieve a knowledge-based economy in accordance with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. The minister pointed out that Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue constitutes an ideal opportunity for more than 500 elite intellectuals, researchers, scientists, policy makers and partners from all over the world to discuss global challenges and predict the priorities of international cooperation in the field of science.
In his turn, Prof Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council (ISC), underlined the importance of such dialogues and meetings in bridging the gap between science and policy within regional contexts.
Prof Gluckman pointed out that Oman is a role model in using science and education as a pillar of national development, saying: 'Oman has proved to be an emerging and ambitious country, and has succeeded in understanding how science can form the basis for national progress and development. Its commitment to this forum reflects its pioneering role in science diplomacy.'
On the other hand, Ruth Morgan highlighted the importance of science in building trust between societies and how to formulate the social contract for science in the current era. She said: 'Science is an essential tool in building trust between governments and societies, and we must focus on how to enhance the role of science in society and achieve transparency in its use. The social contract for science today needs to be reviewed and updated in line with global changes.'
In a related context, Csaba Korosi added that the multilateral system is witnessing increasing pressures, but the goal of developing the sustainable development goals remains constant.
He said: 'Despite the challenges facing the international multilateral system, we see that science can be a decisive factor in achieving international consensus on sustainable development issues. Experience has proven that science can play a pivotal role in formulating public policies and achieving global goals.'
During the event, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and the International Science Council signed a letter of good intent to implement a special programme in the fields of science, technologies and innovation. The letter covers several areas of cooperation, namely exchanging official representation between the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and the International Science Council through the establishment of a regional office for the ISC in the Middle East headquartered in Muscat.
The letter of good intent was signed by Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi and Prof Sir Peter Gluckman.
Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue included several discussion panels covering a range of topics, such as the role of science in facing global challenges and the role of innovation and technology in achieving sustainability.
Dr Hassan Abdullah, one of the participants, said: 'This forum is a wonderful platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences between scientists and specialists in various fields. In light of the challenges facing the world today, such as climate change and food security, the scientific community must work together to find innovative solutions that support sustainable development.'
Sarah Jones, a participant at the forum, said 'the forum represents an opportunity to unite global efforts to address the challenges of contemporary science. The challenges we face, such as artificial intelligence and information technology, require effective international cooperation and a clear regulatory framework to ensure their safe and beneficial use for humanity.'
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