14-04-2025
8th OSHRM forum champions future-ready leadership
MUSCAT: Events of the 8TH Omani Society for Human Resource Management (OSHRM) conference, commenced here yesterday, April 14, under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar.
The three-day event, which is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, addressed the theme of leadership within an 'Open Space'.
In his keynote address, Chairman of OSHRM, Dr Ghalib bin Saif al Hosni, explained the significance of this year's theme, 'This year's conference focuses on leadership in a rapidly changing world, where the boundaries between markets and cultures are increasingly blurred. In such a context, there is a pressing need for a new kind of leadership — one that emerges from a deep awareness of transformation and that anticipates the future with flexibility and renewal.
'Leadership today is no longer measured by a leader's ability to exert control, but rather by their capacity to empower others, channel energy toward innovation, and foster diverse and inclusive workspaces. This is where the role of the modern leader — the transformational leader — becomes essential. The traditional leadership model is no longer effective in a world governed by technology and the evolving realities of employees and communities,' he added.
'The shift from a local to a global context requires leaders to move from a mindset of control to one of growth. Through this transformation, the leader becomes the primary catalyst for change, the nurturer of talent, and the bridge between the organization's present and its global aspirations,' he concluded.
The first day of the event included multiple keynote addresses from key local and global leaders, including the Omani Minister of Labour, Dr Mahad bin Saeed Baawain; the President of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Eng Naif al Abri; entrepreneur and philanthropist Ghanim al Muftah; and author and Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, Costas Markides.
This is in addition to two panel discussions, the first of which addressed 'Sustainable Leadership, which featured key officials including Governor of Dhofar, His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Minister of Social Development, Dr Laila al Najjar; Governor of North Al Batinah, Mohammed al Kindi; and Chairman of Muscat Municipality Eng Ahmed al Humaidi .
The second panel discussion addressed the parallels between athleticism and leadership, and featured multiple Omani athletes including renowned football goalkeeper Ali al Habsi, mountaineer Nadhira al Harthy, and freediver Omar al Ghailani.
Parallel to the forum is an exhibition showcasing various local and global companies in the industry.
