Brand Oman Management Unit organizes 2nd Muscat Youth Summit

The future of Oman’s economy, cities and enterprise culture will come under the spotlight at the 2nd Muscat Youth Summit. Organized by the Brand Oman Management Unit (BOMU), and supported by the Ministry of Education and UNESCO, college and university undergraduates, and young professionals aged between 15 and 24 will join students from secondary schools at the Summit to hear presentations and participate in workshops on the growth of the sultanate’s economy over the next 20 years.

According to BOMU’s COO, His Highness Sayyid Faisal bin Turki Al Said:

“BOMU has crafted a unifying vision for Oman’s brand and that is to build on our ancient seafaring and trading history, and by 2020 have a world-wide profile, attracting an increasing number of visitors, talent and businesses. In simple terms, we want to be recognized as a centre of outstanding commercial, tourism, education and cultural excellence. However, it’s Oman’s 15 to 24-year-olds that will be in a position of influence in the next 10 years or so and we want to ensure they have the opportunity to be involved in the nation’s plans.”

Given the resounding success of the 1st Muscat Youth Summit the BOMU created initiative has attracted substantial interest from key international organizations.

“The Commonwealth Secretariat, The Young Foundation and The Prince’s Youth Business International have agreed to participate and support this year’s Summit. They’ll deliver full-day workshops on entrepreneurship and innovation. Receiving support from such prestigious organizations clearly demonstrates the importance of the Muscat Youth Summit on the international stage. We’re very excited about their participation,” remarked Sayyid Faisal.

BOMU’s Media Manager, Taleb Al Makhmari said, “The 2009 Muscat Youth Summit participants really rose to the challenge. I believe they’ll remember the Summit for the rest of their lives, it’ll undoubtedly shape what they want to do in the future.”

In total, 165 young people from nine countries were involved in the 1st Muscat Youth Summit in December 2009 and a similar number is expected for this year’s event.

“The Muscat Youth Summit is all about encouraging Oman-based youth to see the opportunities, find out how they can be capitalized on, and make sure they are encouraged to contribute to the sultanate’s development and build successful businesses and careers. Moreover, from an international perspective, the Summit gives us an exceptional opportunity to showcase Oman’s youth and the outstanding talent we have in the sultanate. Indeed, our young people will play a critical role in raising the nation’s profile and attracting inward investment,” concluded the BOMU COO.