The Sultanate of Oman participated in a series of events and meetings at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

Oman took part in a joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Oman was represented at the meeting by Talal Alrahbi, Oman’s Ambassador to the United States of America.

The meeting discussed cooperation and partnership between the GCC and ASEAN countries and explored ways to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment and sustainable development, while strengthening economic ties between the two regions.

Oman also participated in a high-level meeting commemorating the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development.

The meeting reviewed progress since the declaration was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1986 and explored ways to strengthen its implementation in the face of current global challenges. Discussions focused on promoting inclusive, sustainable and equitable development, participation, equal opportunities and international cooperation.

Those taking part also discussed the importance of strengthening the right to development as a framework for addressing contemporary and interconnected challenges, ensuring that communities and peoples benefit from development opportunities in a more inclusive and equitable manner.

Oman was represented at the meeting by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Alqutbi, Head of the Foreign Ministry’s International Organisations Department.

In his address, Ambassador Al Qutbi said that people are at the heart of the development process and its ultimate purpose. He outlined Oman’s experience in developing its social protection system, which is based on promoting social justice, equal opportunities and extending protection to different sections of society, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation and exchanging knowledge, expertise and best practice to realise the right to development. He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to the principles of the Declaration on the Right to Development and its continued efforts to build a more stable, just and inclusive society.

Oman also participated in a high-level event entitled “Human Rights for All: From Commitment to Collective Action”.

Oman’s delegation was led by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Alqutbi, Head of the Foreign Ministry’s International Organisations Department. The event was attended by senior representatives of countries and international organisations.

The event was jointly sponsored by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Mexico and the Netherlands.

It discussed ways to strengthen collective action and international cooperation on human rights and translate international commitments into effective measures and practices that protect human rights for all.

Discussions also addressed the importance of strengthening multilateral action and coordination between countries and international institutions, as well as supporting joint efforts to uphold human rights principles and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to more secure, stable and prosperous societies.

Oman also participated in a ministerial meeting entitled “Advancing Cooperation for a Secure and Stable Maritime Domain”.

Oman was represented by Dr Adnan Alazri, Deputy Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations for Maritime Affairs.

The meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Estonia, Japan, the Netherlands and the Philippines, alongside the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Discussions focused on strengthening freedom and security at sea, safeguarding freedom of navigation through vital maritime routes and protecting subsea infrastructure. Participants also explored ways to enhance international cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information-sharing to address emerging challenges and risks.

Oman also participated in a high-level meeting on the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

Oman was represented by Khalid Alrabkhi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations in New York.

The meeting discussed ways to strengthen the protection of humanitarian personnel, ensure their safety and enable them to carry out their duties in crisis and conflict zones. It also addressed the importance of strengthening respect for international humanitarian law and accountability, while supporting international efforts to enhance their protection.

The meeting was convened at the invitation of the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Oman also participated in a high-level meeting on climate action and a just transition, held at the UN headquarters in New York, at the invitation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Oman was represented by Khalid Alrabkhi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Oman to the United Nations in New York. The meeting was attended by  heads of state and government, senior officials and representatives of international organisations, financial institutions and the private sector.

The meeting explored ways to strengthen joint international action to address climate change, accelerate the implementation of climate commitments and achieve a just and sustainable transition. Discussions focused on enhancing adaptation and resilience efforts while taking into account countries’ national priorities and circumstances and balancing development needs with climate action.

Participants also discussed ways to strengthen multilateral cooperation, mobilise the efforts and resources needed to support climate action and expand international partnerships, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and a more sustainable future for generations to come.