Muscat:A regional workshop on using blockchain technology to authenticate academic certificates and safeguard them from forgery began today at the Arab Open University in Muscat.

According to Oman News Agency, the two-day event is organized by the Ministry of Education, through the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Sciences, in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Arab Open University. The workshop's opening ceremony was officiated by Eng. Omar Hamdan Al Ismaili, CEO of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).

The workshop aims to introduce blockchain technology's applications within the education sector, review the Unified Arab System for Certificate Verification project, explore Oman’s potential participation, and enhance technical skills in digital certificate verification at universities and educational institutions.

During the opening, Prof. Mohamed Hamdan Al Badi, Rector of the Arab Open University, delivered a speech emphasizing blockchain technology's role in supporting digital transformation in education. He highlighted its utility in certificate authentication, validity verification, and forgery protection. Prof. Al Badi also underscored the importance of scientific research, innovation, and translating knowledge into impactful projects, noting the university's efforts through its Innovation and Technology Transfer Center and the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Mahmoud Abdullah Al Abri, Secretary of the Oman National Commission for Education, Culture and Sciences, stated that the initiative extends Oman's efforts in digital transformation and educational system development. He stressed the need for integrating educational institutions, regulatory bodies, and experts to build a reliable certificate verification system.

Prof. Mohamed Al Jemni presented a keynote paper on ALECSO's initiatives, focusing on developing artificial intelligence policies in education, organizing AI workshops, and collaborating with international bodies to reinforce ethical AI use.

The workshop sessions will cover blockchain technology in education, educational data governance, cybersecurity, certificate authentication, digital transformation, and the Unified Arab System for Certificate Verification's implementation in educational institutions.