Oman Sustainability Week: Paving the way to a Circular Society
Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) 2024 is set underline the sultanate’s dedication to environmental conservation and adoption of sustainable practices, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the national objectives outlined in Oman Vision 2040 and Net Zero 2050.
Poised to take place from April 28 to May 2 at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the week this year will be hosted under the theme ‘ Sustainable Living in a Circular Society’.
At a press conference held on Monday, it was announced that the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM), in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman, will lead the event, showcasing a synergy of industry, power and environmental stewardship.
Dr Ali al Rajhi, Director General for Planning and Studies at MEM, underscored the significance of this national initiative. "Oman Sustainability Week 2024 stands as a beacon, casting light on the criticality of sustainable practices. It is not merely an event but a dynamic platform that sparks actionable insights and a communal exchange of knowledge towards achieving our sustainable development milestones," he stated.
Mustafa al Balushi, Vice-president of Continuous Improvement, Planning & Performance/acting Communications at OQ, reinforced the company’s strategic commitment, while highlighting its role as a strategic sponsor and its projects like the OQ Green Initiative that dovetail with national sustainability goals. "OQ remains steadfast in fostering Oman’s green landscapes, as exemplified by our engagement in the tenmillion-trees plantation drive," he added, further affirming OQ'S resolve to advance governance and support the growth of small and medium enterprises.
OSW 2024 promises to be a mix of dialogue and innovation, drawing participants from ASYAD Group, bp and Oman LNG, among others. Its robust sponsorship roster illustrates the collective commitment to sustainable progress.
The OSW Expo, from April 29 to May 1, is expected to be a focal point for networking and sharing best practices, with over 120 companies from six countries and an estimated attendance of 12,000. Additionally, the event will present over 100 speakers and 500 delegates, ensuring that the discourse remains insightful and impactful.
The International Sustainability Resources & Technology Conference on April 29 and 30, co-organised by be’ah, is set to become a marquee event for global experts to discuss sustainable resource utilisation. Meanwhile, OSW Talks, with sessions accredited for professional development, will delve into innovations for a net-zero carbon future.
Launching the week on April 28, OSW Awards will honour organisations leading in sustainability, with a new category for Eco-mobility introduced by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT).
OSW Future Mobility, supported by MTCIT, will spotlight the latest in clean mobility solutions, signifying Oman’s foray into the future of transportation.
Notably, the event will also include the 2024 MEA CCS Forum by Global CCS Institute, catalysing discussions on carbon capture solutions, essential to achieving global emissions targets.
The OSW C-level round table, facilitated by Ernst & Young (EY), will allow exchange of ideas for public-private partnership towards sustainable development goals.
Strategic partners will present their flagship sustainability initiatives, including Shell's Nxplorers, PDO’S Renewable Energy Awards and OQ8’S youth empowerment programmes.
Concluding with OSW Site Visits, participants will witness the sustainable projects transforming the sultanate, offering a tangible experience of Oman's commitment to sustainability.
Oman Sustainability Week stands as a beacon, casting light on the criticality of sustainable practices. It is not merely an event but a dynamic platform that sparks actionable insights DR ALI AL RAJHI