Muscat: Continuing its efforts to make significant local impact on topics of national interest, Sohar International hosted the 4th virtual session and 9th edition of ‘Viewpoints – Sohar international chairman’s forum’ – in a successful virtual session recently.

Chaired by Mr. Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sohar International, the engaging forum witnessed high decibel energy as it presented learnings and global insights on ‘The Urgency to Transform Education’, with renowned academician and philanthropist, Ms. Maysa Jalbout – a visiting Scholar and Special Advisor, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Arizona State University.

With several young entrepreneurs, industry leaders, working professionals including business chiefs, academicians, and students in attendance, on Zoom and Sohar International’s YouTube channel, Ms. Maisa Jalbout shared from her experience the need to incorporate socially-conscious subjects as part of educational curriculums in elementary as well as executive education programs all over the world.

Commenting on the topic and the interest it has generated among the right audience, Mr. Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sohar International, said: “As an organization, Sohar International believes in the value of knowledge sharing and the insights and solutions it brings forth.

“Such knowledge opens up a plethora of opportunities and ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs and the youth of today. This thought underlines the significance of the topic of the latest session of Viewpoints, which sets [the] pace for a sector that has been the backbone of development across countries and communities, for time immemorial.

“The latest discussion reflects on the challenges laid down by the COVID-19 pandemic on education curriculums and practices, and the perseverance of the sector in coping with these times. But what is important to note here is that change brings with it – transformation and hence, prospects,” he added.

“We envision the Oman of tomorrow as a progressive, yet traditional nation that upholds education as the cornerstone of socio-economic growth.

“With the ninth edition of Viewpoints, the intent was to provide locally relevant context of the changing dynamics of education, keeping in mind their adaptability to the Sultanate.”

During her presentation, Ms. Maisa Jalbout discussed two focus areas – why change is imminent in the education sector, and how the Arab world, in particular, can bring about this change.

Sharing alarming statistics, Ms. Jalbout referred to the challenges facing the education sector across the world that illustrate the economic, and social consequences of the pandemic.

She also applauded the rapid response of the Omani Government in reducing the impact of these obstacles, by providing education accessibility to students in schools, colleges, and universities, through the use of the internet.

The guest speaker then pointed out that there are a set of specific foundations that contribute to changing the education system and the categories that should be focused on, especially with COVID-19, and the importance of empowering stakeholders to activate various strategies for change.

She further shared that innovation, the use of modern technology, the rehabilitation of human resources, and the partnership between the public and private sectors, can and will play a critical role in transforming education in times to come.

“Ms. Maisa Jalbout’s valued contribution at the recently concluded Viewpoints generated important messages that are relevant from the Omani perspective, as well as the nation’s economic development, and hence, critical to the Sultanate’s continued progress.”, Mr. Al Ardhi added.

Maysa Jalbout is a recognised leader with 25 years of experience in international development and philanthropy. She is presently a Visiting Scholar and Special Advisor on the United Nations Sustainable Development goals, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Arizona State University, and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Her work has paved the way for better lives for children, young men, and women in the most vulnerable communities around the world. Forbes recognized Jalbout as one of the 100 most powerful businesswomen in the Arab world in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

In the last few years, Viewpoints – Sohar International Chairman’s forum, has gained audience eyeballs, for hosting the best of international experts as speakers. This, coupled with intriguing conversations, has put Viewpoints as a benchmark in events focused in building leadership equity.