Thursday 16 / May / 2024
Muscat: Under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Taimur bin Asaad Al Said, Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) officially commenced at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC), championing sustainable practices and advancing a circular society.
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 also 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 2 May, 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.
Reflecting on the significance of OSW, Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, emphasised, “Sustainability serves as the foundational pillar for establishing resilient societies. 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. By 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 the sentiment, Steve Phimister, Managing Director, Petroleum Development Oman, commented, "PDO is 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, Eng. 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.”
Ushering in the week-long activities were the OSW Awards on 28 April, co-organised by be'ah, and the Center for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE), which recognised organisations for their achievements in sustainability efforts and corporate responsibility initiatives.
This year’s OSW Expo, from 29 April until 1 May, features more than 120 participating businesses from 8 countries and is anticipated to attract over 12,000 visitors. Concurrently, OSW Talks is dedicated to sharing insights on the latest innovations, and technologies in sustainability. Sponsored by Petrofac and accredited by CPD, it boasts more than 70 speakers from 12 countries, offering a dynamic forum for knowledge exchange and collective action. Furthermore, the International Sustainability Resources and Technology Conference (ISRTC) on 29 and 30 April, co-organised by Oman Environmental Services Holding Company be’ah, and programmed by Economist Impact, features over 30 global sustainability leaders and policymakers and is facilitating the exchange of technical expertise and preparing businesses to achieve climate goals.
Another key highlight is the OSW Roundtable, hosted by Ernst & Young (EY) on 29 April. This gathering brings together senior government officials, industry executives, and policymakers to strategize collaborative approaches aimed at meeting immediate national objectives and fostering economic and social circularity.
Shining a light on the advancements in mobility technology is OSW Future Mobility, supported by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, presenting cutting-edge solutions, technologies, and innovations in clean transportation. Geared toward propelling the Sultanate of Oman transition to Net Zero 2050, it offers a comprehensive showcase of future clean mobility, complete with a dedicated 'Test Drive' area.
Concluding a week of impactful events, the OSW Site Visits on 2 May provide attendees with an exclusive opportunity to explore eight meticulously selected projects at the forefront of fostering sustainability across Oman.
Through insightful discussions, workshops, and interactive exhibits, OSW is geared at nurturing collaboration and driving actionable solutions for sustainable development. With this year’s theme being ‘Sustainable Living in a Circular Society’, OSW aims to catalyse systemic change by promoting holistic approaches to resource management, waste reduction, and renewable energy adoption.
For more information, visit https://www.omansustainabilityweek.com/
