Paris witnessed a moment of Omani pride yesterday as Dr. Moza Ali Al Saadi was awarded second place in the prestigious 2025 UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education. This recognition highlights the growing importance of digital citizenship in preparing young people for a rapidly evolving world, and Dr. Moza’s innovative work is leading the charge in Oman. The award ceremony, held at UNESCO headquarters, celebrated individuals dedicated to fostering responsible global citizens.
Dr. Moza Al Saadi’s Pioneering Work in Digital Citizenship
Dr. Moza’s initiative, aptly named “Digital Citizenship for Empowered Learners,” stood out amongst a highly competitive field of 154 nominees from 76 countries. Her success is rooted in a robust conceptual framework developed during her doctoral research, addressing the critical need for ethical and safe online engagement. The initiative doesn’t simply focus on technical skills; it deeply integrates the values necessary for responsible interaction with the digital world, crucially linking these to a strong sense of national identity.
A Holistic Approach to Digital Literacy
Recognizing that digital literacy extends far beyond knowing how to use technology, Dr. Moza’s program aims to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of online rights and responsibilities. This includes navigating issues like cyberbullying, misinformation, and online privacy. Her work emphasizes the importance of critical thinking skills when consuming digital content and promotes respectful communication in online spaces.
Reaching Across Oman: Training and Awareness
The impact of Dr. Moza’s initiative is far-reaching, extending beyond academic circles to encompass the wider Omani community. She has actively conducted training workshops for a diverse audience, including students from both schools and higher education institutions.
Furthermore, Dr. Moza hasn’t limited her efforts to formal education. She has engaged curriculum specialists, teachers, supervisors, school principals, and even parents, ensuring a unified approach to fostering global citizenship education. This multi-faceted strategy demonstrates a commitment to embedding digital citizenship principles throughout the entire educational ecosystem.
To amplify her message, Dr. Moza leveraged public media, participating in radio interviews and publishing articles that demystify the concept of ‘digital citizenship’ and its relevance to everyday life. This public awareness campaign is vital in creating a society that understands and embraces responsible online behavior.
The UNESCO Prize and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
The UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education, funded by the Republic of Korea and awarded biennially, is a testament to the international community’s commitment to nurturing responsible global citizens. It specifically recognizes efforts that prepare young generations to contribute to a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
Dr. Moza’s work directly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Specifically, her initiative contributes to Goal No. 7, which champions education for peace, human rights, sustainable development, and, importantly, global citizenship. The prize acknowledges the vital role education plays in fostering these values.
Dr. Moza Al Saadi’s Background and Expertise
Dr. Moza currently serves as a senior specialist at the Citizenship Department within the Ministry of Education in Oman. Her dedication to the field is further evidenced by her impressive academic credentials. She holds a PhD in Information Studies, with a specialization in Digital Citizenship Practices, from Sultan Qaboos University.
Additionally, Dr. Moza earned a Master’s degree in Educational Measurement and Evaluation from the same institution. Her practical experience as an English language teacher and her involvement in the Curriculum Development Team, responsible for identity and citizenship curricula, have provided her with a unique and valuable perspective.
Beyond her work at the Ministry, Dr. Moza has also contributed to academia, serving as a visiting consultant at the Information Studies Department at Sultan Qaboos University and as an associate professor at the Department of Records and Archives Management at A’Sharqiyah University. This diverse experience has undoubtedly shaped her innovative approach to digital responsibility.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Digital Citizenship in Oman
Dr. Moza Ali Al Saadi’s achievement in Paris is a significant milestone for Oman, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to preparing its youth for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Her “Digital Citizenship for Empowered Learners” initiative provides a valuable model for other countries seeking to integrate these crucial skills and values into their education systems.
This award serves as an inspiration to educators, researchers, and policymakers alike, encouraging continued investment in programs that promote responsible online behavior and cultivate a generation of informed and engaged global citizens. We can expect to see further developments and expansions of Dr. Moza’s work as Oman continues to prioritize digital citizenship education. To learn more about the UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education, visit the official UNESCO website.
