The recently launched “Citizenship and Digital Citizenship in Higher Education Curricula: Sustainable Horizons” forum at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in AL Mussanah aims to promote and foster the values of citizenship and digital citizenship among the people of Oman, especially university students. This forum seeks to integrate these values into educational curricula through well-structured plans and clear mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of enhancing citizenship, supporting national education, and making it a fundamental element in the strategies of higher education institutions.
The event began with a speech by Dr. Nasser Salem Al Baimani, Assistant President Vice Chancellor at the branch, highlighting the importance of promoting citizenship values in Oman. The forum included a workshop on “Enhancing Citizenship in the Digital Age: The Strategic Role of Higher Education Institutions” presented by Dr. Moza Al Saadi and a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Hanan Abdulaziz Al Kindi, with participation from academics and specialists. Key topics discussed included the educational role of mosques in instilling citizenship values, the role of Islamic culture in enhancing national identity and digital citizenship, as well as the importance of citizenship in higher education curricula.
The forum also featured an exhibition and a student debate championship, culminating in a musical performance by students and the final round of the debate championship among participating universities. The event underscored the importance of citizenship in Oman as a critical pillar for achieving sustainable development. Oman Vision 2040 places significant emphasis on national identity, heritage, education, and scientific research, with the goal of developing national capacities capable of creating a society proud of its identity and committed to its responsibilities.
Overall, the “Citizenship and Digital Citizenship in Higher Education Curricula: Sustainable Horizons” forum at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in AL Mussanah serves as a platform to promote and integrate citizenship values into educational curricula in Oman, with the aim of fostering a society that is proud of its identity and committed to its responsibilities. By emphasizing the importance of citizenship in higher education, the forum contributes to the realization of Oman Vision 2040, which highlights the significance of national identity, heritage, education, and scientific research in the country’s development. Through workshops, panel discussions, and student activities, the forum encourages the cultivation of citizenship values among university students and the wider community.
