Muscat: The 2nd edition of Oman Childhood Conference and Expo kicked off at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre today. The three-day event is organized by Children First Association under the theme “Prospects for Rehabilitation and Empowerment of People with Disabilities in the Era of Emerging Technologies”.
According to Oman News Agency, 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, remarked on the noble goal of promoting a significant segment of society, emphasizing the importance of children as builders of the future.
HH Sayyida Dr. Mona highlighted the success of the first edition, which concentrated on gifted children in Oman as a national asset. She expressed hopes that the current conference would become a platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing practices in rehabilitation and empowerment, contributing to shaping practical visions to enhance national efforts.
HH Sayyida Dr. Mona noted the large number of attendees as a reflection of Oman’s commitment to integrating children with disabilities into various fields. Gopal Mitra, an international expert on disabilities, addressed the event’s focus on children with disabilities, highlighting a shared commitment towards a just cause.
The conference addresses issues such as policies supporting family integration, diagnosis and treatment of disabled children, and the dual nature of talent and disability. It underscores the role of sports and arts in human expression and the importance of modern technologies in shaping the identity and skills of children with disabilities.
A total of 33 working papers and 11 workshops will feature participation from academics, experts, and specialists. The event aims to integrate digital solutions into education and welfare and targets families, researchers, specialists, decision-makers, and relevant organizations.
Oman Childhood Conference and Expo seeks to raise awareness about the rights of children with disabilities and explore integration methods. It also highlights challenges faced by disabled children and the efforts of government and private entities in this field.
The conference includes an exhibition, the first of its kind in Oman, bringing together institutions, companies, and centers concerned with children’s welfare. The exhibition features commercial outlets, medical and educational centers, rehabilitation institutions, and entertainment activities for children.
Participants include government and international entities such as the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman Human Rights Commission, and UNICEF, alongside civil society organizations and rehabilitation centers.