Oman Sustainability Week begins with focus on green economy
Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) - a platform for driving progress - officially commenced under the auspices of H H Sayyid Taimur bin Asaad al Said, at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat on Monday.
Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) as the host ministry, and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) as the host organisation, the inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of distinguished ministerial delegates, industry leaders, and change-makers across industries.
Organised by CONNECT (Oman Exhibitions Organising Company LLC), OSW is committed to fostering strategic sustainability initiatives and robust collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The event, which will run until May 2, serves as a pivotal platform, driving progress toward a more sustainable future across various sectors, including energy, power, water, waste, future mobility, society, and the environment.
In his address, H E Salim Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, underlined that sustainability serves as the foundational pillar for establishing resilient societies. He emphasised that as a national-level event, OSW is aligned with the sultanate's efforts in promoting circular economic growth in line with Oman Vision 2040, and Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for a future of net zero emissions by 2050.
“This exemplifies the nation's unwavering dedication to sustainable development,” he asserted, while projecting OSW as a unique platform fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration. “OSW seeks to empower individuals, businesses, and communities to embrace sustainable practices and collectively shape a more equitable future, creating fertile ground for progress and transformative change. These efforts are pivotal in advancing environmental stewardship and enhancing community well-being.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Steve Phimister, Managing Director, Petroleum Development Oman, said that the organisation felt honoured to be the key host of Oman Sustainability Week for the third consecutive year.
“This year, the theme of 'Sustainable Living in a Circular Society' articulates our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Our participation underscores our dedication to sustainable development, and our role in driving the energy industry towards a low-carbon future to maximise value for the sultanate.”
Enhancing Oman’s global competitiveness and promoting sustainable economic diversification and growth, OSW serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to showcase their sustainability initiatives, share knowledge, and embrace best practices and technologies.
Emphasizing the opportunities OSW presents to participants, Abdul Aziz al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom, said, “We are excited to participate in Oman Sustainability Week, showcasing our role as the central entity in Oman’s green hydrogen sector. This platform allows us to highlight the achievements and results from our latest auctions, demonstrating our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and contributing to the sector’s growth.”