Oman Hosts Regional Consultation Meeting for Arab National Commissions for UNESCO

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman is presently serving as the venue for the regional consultation meeting convened for the secretaries of the Arab National Commissions for UNESCO. Organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, and specifically facilitated by the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, the two-day deliberative assembly is conducted in collaboration with the Headquarter Secretariat of the United Nations for Education, Science, and Culture (UNESCO).

The primary objectives of this gathering entail an in-depth discussion on the formulation of UNESCO’s financial budget document and program delineations for the period spanning 2026 to 2029. Furthermore, the assembly endeavors to engage Arab nations in the strategic planning process of UNESCO, ensuring alignment with regional developmental agendas and aspirations.

Among the notable attendees are Anthony Ohmeng Boama, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Africa and External Relations, along with secretaries from the Arab National Committees and representatives from UNESCO field offices in the Arab region. Additionally, representatives from national bodies associated with UNESCO’s mandates and responsibilities, as well as personnel from the secretariat of Oman National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science, are actively participating in the discussions.

Embracing modern communication technologies, the meeting accommodates participation from officials at the UNESCO headquarters office and its field offices across Arab countries via video conferencing platforms. This integration ensures comprehensive involvement and collaboration despite geographical disparities.

A precursor to this regional conclave, the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science orchestrated a consultative meeting earlier in the week. This preliminary session, featuring representatives from national bodies associated with UNESCO’s endeavors, aimed to forge a collective national vision. The objective was to harness UNESCO’s programs effectively towards advancing sustainable development goals, a perspective subsequently incorporated into the agenda of the ongoing regional consultation meeting.

As the regional consultation meeting progresses, it underscores Oman’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation and advancing UNESCO’s objectives within the Arab context. Through collaborative efforts and strategic deliberations, the assembly seeks to chart a course that not only resonates with the aspirations of Arab nations but also contributes significantly to the realization of sustainable development goals across the region.