The Royal Academy of Management (RAM) in Muscat has achieved a significant milestone, earning the prestigious Learning for Impact Today and Tomorrow (LIFT) Certification from EFMD Global. This recognition underscores RAM’s commitment to developing impactful leaders and its alignment with Oman’s ambitious leadership development goals, particularly the Oman Vision 2040. The certification validates RAM’s ability to translate learning into tangible results for individuals, organizations, and the nation as a whole.
RAM Secures EFMD LIFT Certification: A Testament to Impactful Learning
The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) Global, a globally respected accreditation body, awarded RAM the LIFT Certification following a rigorous evaluation process. This isn’t merely an accreditation; it’s a validation of RAM’s holistic approach to learning, encompassing strategic intent, program design, delivery, evaluation, and sustained outcomes. LIFT specifically focuses on how organizations embed learning impact across their entire value chain, ensuring that educational initiatives contribute to real-world progress.
What Does the LIFT Certification Mean?
The LIFT Certification signifies that RAM meets international benchmarks for leadership training and development. It demonstrates a commitment to academically grounded, practitioner-focused learning experiences that generate measurable, multi-level impact. This places RAM within an exclusive international community of learning and development excellence, bolstering its credibility on national, regional, and global stages. It’s a powerful endorsement of RAM’s effectiveness in cultivating leaders capable of driving positive change.
Key Strengths Highlighted by EFMD
EFMD’s LIFT Director, Steven Smith, and independent peer reviewers identified several defining strengths at RAM. These included a strong culture of purpose-driven learning directly supporting the Oman Vision 2040, the active engagement of participants and alumni as co-creators of value, a broad societal reach, and robust talent identification processes. These elements collectively demonstrate RAM’s dedication to long-term national capacity building.
The academy’s focus on aligning its programs with Oman Vision 2040 was particularly noted. This national initiative aims to diversify the Omani economy, enhance its global competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. RAM’s contribution to this vision is now internationally recognized.
National and Institutional Endorsement
Following the announcement, Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, hailed the certification as a “major milestone” for both Oman and RAM. He emphasized that RAM, established under the patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, plays a “distinctive role in shaping leadership” and driving the nation’s growth.
Dr. Ali Qassim Al Lawati, RAM’s President, echoed this sentiment, stating that the certification is an “excellent achievement” and an “independent validation of leadership impact.” He highlighted the team’s dedication to equipping leaders to navigate complexity and contribute meaningfully to Oman’s development. He also noted the valuable insights gained during the certification process itself, which will inform future strategic direction.
A Model for Sustainable Leadership Development
Dr. Martin Moehrle, representing EFMD, praised RAM’s commitment to creating leadership communities that deliver meaningful contributions at both individual and societal levels. He emphasized that RAM has become a “cornerstone of Oman’s national transformation agenda,” building a self-sustaining leadership ecosystem. The academy’s participatory approach, from selective entry to sustained alumni networks, empowers participants to co-create value.
This approach is a key differentiator for RAM. Rather than simply delivering training, the academy fosters a collaborative environment where learners actively contribute to the development of solutions and drive lasting impact. This focus on practical application and sustained engagement is central to RAM’s success in executive education.
Looking Ahead: RAM as a Regional Hub
Within just four years, RAM has rapidly evolved from offering local programs to launching regional initiatives and gaining international recognition. This trajectory positions RAM as a benchmark for developing highly effective leadership in Oman and the wider region. The LIFT Certification reinforces leadership excellence as a strategic national asset and solidifies Oman’s position as a regional reference point for leadership impact and institutional capability building.
The certification process itself provided RAM with valuable insights, enabling them to further refine their approach and strengthen their strategic direction. This continuous improvement mindset will be crucial as RAM continues to expand its reach and impact.
In conclusion, the EFMD LIFT Certification is a significant achievement for the Royal Academy of Management, validating its commitment to impactful learning and its crucial role in driving Oman’s Vision 2040. This milestone not only elevates RAM’s standing on the global stage but also reinforces its dedication to cultivating leaders who can navigate complexity and contribute to a brighter future for Oman and the region. Learn more about RAM’s programs and initiatives by visiting their official website and exploring the opportunities available for aspiring leaders.
