MUSCAT — The 2nd edition of Oman Childhood Conference and Expo kicked off at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre recently. The three-day event is organised by Children First Association under the theme “Prospects for Rehabilitation and Empowerment of People with Disabilities in the Era of Emerging Technologies”.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Harib bin Thuwaini Al Said, Assistant Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers for Conferences. Speaking at the conference, HH Sayyida Dr Mona Fahd Al Said, Chairperson of Children First Association, said, “We meet today for a noble goal that promotes a significant segment of our society and similar segments worldwide. It is the segment of children, builders of the future.”
HH Sayyida Dr Mona added that the conference gains impetus from the success made during the first edition, which focused on gifted children in the Sultanate of Oman as a national asset and a strategic investment for the future.
HH Sayyida Dr. Mona hoped that this conference would serve as a leading national and international platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing innovative practices in the fields of rehabilitation and empowerment and contribute to shaping practical visions that would enhance national efforts towards this objective.
HH Sayyida Dr Mona pointed out that the large number of attendees reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s steadfast commitment to meet the goals of integrating children with disabilities into various educational, sports and social fields. The wide response also embodies the spirit of cooperation and integration for a more inclusive and equitable future for all our children, she affirmed.
Gopal Mitra, international expert and supporter of interests of persons with disabilities, gave a speech in which he stressed that event’s focus on children with disabilities, and their large turnout today, signifies a united stance and a shared commitment towards a just cause that transcends borders.
In its second edition, Oman Childhood Conference and Expo addresses various issues, including policies and legislation supporting family integration and empowerment, diagnosis and treatment of disabled children and the dual nature of talent and disability. The event also elaborates on the role of sports and arts in enhancing human expression and empowerment, as well as the importance of investment in modern technologies to enable families and society to shape identity and hone life skills of children with disabilities.
The conference presented 33 working papers and included 11 workshops that will see the participation of academics, experts and specialists from Oman and abroad. Emphasis will be laid on practical approaches and on devising a technical roadmap aimed to integrate digital solutions in the field of education and welfare. The conference targets families of children with disabilities, researchers and specialists in the fields of Special Education (for children with disabilities) and personnel of health, physiotherapy and psychology—as well as decision-makers, civil society institutions and relevant global organizations.
Oman Childhood Conference and Expo seeks to spread public awareness about the rights of children with disabilities and methods of presenting insights into ways to integrate this segment into society.
The event also highlights common challenges that face children with disabilities and underlines the importance of efforts made by government and private establishments and higher education institutions in this field.
The conference is accompanied by an exhibition deemed the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman that brings together all institutions, companies and centres of concern to children. The exhibition features the exhibits of commercial outlets, medical and educational centres, rehabilitation institutions and educational and psychological counseling centres, in addition to entertainment activities and theatrical performances for children.
Oman Childhood Conference and Expo sees the participation of a number of government and international parties, including the Ministry of Information; the Ministry of Social Development; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Health; Sultan Qaboos University; Oman Human Rights Commission and UNICEF, in addition to civil society organizations and rehabilitation centres.
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