Latest news with #DrLailaAhmedAlNajjar
Times of Oman
27-07-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Jusoor Forum highlights entrepreneurial projects for people with disabilities in Salalah
Salalah — An event titled 'Oman Broadband Jusoor Forum: A Step Towards Empowering People with Disabilities" was held today in the Wilayat of Salalah, as part of ongoing efforts to support and economically empower individuals with disabilities. Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development and patron of the opening ceremony, emphasized that the forum represents an effective model of collaboration between the public and private sectors. She noted that such initiatives serve priority community groups, particularly people with disabilities, and reinforce efforts to empower them across various levels. She highlighted that this purposeful community engagement reflects a national commitment to empowering people with disabilities, enhancing their economic participation, and providing them with opportunities to showcase their capabilities and talents. She affirmed that empowering this group is a priority within the Ministry of Social Development's plans and programs, in partnership with Oman Broadband Company, to build an equitable society that fosters sustainable creativity and skill development for all its members. On his turn, Eng. Sultan Ahmed Al Wahaibi, CEO of Oman Broadband Company, stated that organizing the forum aligns with the company's corporate social responsibility. He affirmed that people with disabilities are capable of contributing meaningfully when provided with a supportive environment and appropriate opportunities. Meanwhile, Asma Ali Al Balushi, founder of the "Jusoor" project for empowering people with disabilities, emphasized that the initiative stemmed from a deep belief in the capabilities of this group. She revealed future plans to transform the project into an independent institution dedicated to sustainable empowerment, serving as a platform for the voices of people with disabilities and an umbrella for initiatives supporting them and their development partners. The forum, organized by Oman Broadband Company in collaboration with the "Jusoor" project, witnessed significant visitor engagement, with attendees praising the quality and diversity of exhibits across 12 specialized pavilions. The event is part of a series of community and awareness activities carried out by Oman Broadband Company in Dhofar Governorate, coinciding with the Khareef (monsoon) season 2025.
Times of Oman
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in Arab forum for equality in Algeria
Algiers: The Sultanate of Oman participated on Wednesday in the Fourth Arab Forum for Equality 'Dialogue and Solutions' 2025, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, represented Oman at the forum. This year's forum focused on discussing regional priorities to address inequality and social protection amid the crises facing the Arab region. It examined how social protection systems can reduce inequalities stemming from economic, environmental, humanitarian, and political challenges, while promoting inclusive and sustainable development. During a panel discussion on 'Financing Comprehensive Social Protection,' Dr. Al Najjar highlighted Oman's key national experiences and practices in this field, including the implementation of a social protection system to enhance financial and operational efficiency, diversify funding sources, and provide direct cash benefits to the elderly, children, orphans, widows, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. She also addressed ways to strengthen integration between government and private sectors and civil society institutions to expand social protection coverage. Emphasising that investment in social protection is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and social well-being, she noted its alignment with the goals of 'Oman Vision 2040.' The forum, attended by ministers, officials, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, and experts, facilitated the exchange of national and international experiences on reducing inequality in the Arab region. It showcased best regional and global practices in social protection systems, their role in mitigating inequality, supporting vulnerable groups, and engaging stakeholders in solution-driven dialogue to enhance social cohesion. Sessions covered topics such as 'Extending Social Protection to the Informal Sector,' 'Social Protection Under War, Israeli Occupation, and Conflict,' 'Social Protection as a Pathway to Reducing Inequality,' and 'Innovative Solutions to Strengthen Social Protection.' Discussions concluded with a focus on 'Global Partnerships for More Effective Social Protection.' -ONA
Times of Oman
24-06-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Social Development Minister briefed about Algerian experience in social care
Algiers: Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, on Tuesday conferred with Dr. Soraya Mouloudji, Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, as part of her visit to the country. The two ministers reviewed social development experiences and initiatives. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise in the fields of childhood, care of the elderly and women's rights, among other areas of social care. Dr. Laila visited the "Childhood Relief Foundation" in El Biar area, where she learned about mechanisms of care and welfare provided to children of unknown parents and those deprived of family care. She also listended to an account about social and educational rehabilitation programmes conducted by the foundation to ensure the children's integration into society. The minister took note of the experience of the Dély Ibrahim nursing home. She was briefed about the programmes of health psychological care provided by the institutions to the elderly, in addition to the overall Algerian experience in the field of social development. At the conclusion of the visit, Dr. Laila made a statement during which she underlined the importance of consolidating Arab cooperation in the fields of social care and empowerment of vulnerable segments of societies. She also commended Algeria's experience in comprehensive development and lauded institutional efforts to provide a safe haven for needy children. Besides exploring Algeria's experience in social welfare, women's empowerment, child care and welfare of the elderly, the visit stemmed from a keenness to promote bilateral cooperation, exchange expertise and develop social policies and relevant programmes in the two countries.
Times of Oman
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in meeting of ESCWA Social Development Committee in Algeria
Algiers: The Sultanate of Oman on Monday took part in the 16th session of the Social Development Committee of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The meeting was held in the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Oman's delegation to the meeting was headed by Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. During its sessions, the ESCWA committee discussed topics related to social protection systems in the Arab region as a means of promoting equality. It also underlined the importance of adopting innovative and more comprehensive policies to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of social programmes. The meeting reviewed ESCWA's efforts in the field of social development, recommendations issued by the Committee at its 15th session, activities of ESCWA 'Intersessional Expert Working Group on Persons with Disabilities' and the organisation's 'Expert Group on Social Protection Reform'. The session will include the "Fourth Arab Forum for Equality", which will highlight the ability of social protection systems to address the most serious forms of inequality. The participation of the Ministry of Social Development in the meeting stems from its commitment to enhance regional cooperation, exchange expertise and support efforts for achieving sustainable development and ameliorate citizens' quality of life.
