Tuesday 18 / August / 2026
Muscat: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth has announced the opening of registration for the fourth edition of the Youth Ambassadors Program, scheduled to take place in November in Muscat Governorate. This follows three successful editions that witnessed widespread participation from Omani and Arab youth, providing a comprehensive educational and training experience.
Participants gained insights into various international issues and learned about decision-making and voting mechanisms at the United Nations through a diverse range of specialised events and activities.
The program includes several key components: meetings between young people and diplomatic leaders, training workshops conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), a specialised workshop on protocol and etiquette; a simulation session within the Model United Nations program; a diplomatic dinner, a daily newsletter detailing the sessions and sightseeing and orientation tours for participants. This comprehensive experience combines knowledge, training, practical application, and networking.
Hilal bin Saif Al Siyabi, Director General of the Directorate General of Youth at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, explained that the Youth Ambassadors Program is one of the most prominent and specialised programs implemented by the Ministry in the field of youth empowerment and capacity building. It offers a comprehensive experience combining knowledge, training, and practical application, and enjoys significant interest and participation from young people, as reflected in the number of registrants over the past three editions.
He pointed out that the program is based on a set of objectives, foremost among them developing diplomatic and leadership skills among young people, enhancing awareness of international issues, and building a conscious and proud young personality, in addition to developing public speaking, communication, media, and presentation skills. This contributes to preparing a generation capable of representing the Sultanate of Oman with distinction in various forums.
Regarding the fourth edition of the program, Al Siyabi explained that it is expected to see an expansion in the number of participants, reaching a total of 160, along with an expansion in the number of participating countries from outside the Sultanate of Oman.
He emphasised that the Ministry, through these programs, seeks to provide greater opportunities for young people to benefit from high-quality experiences, develop their skills and abilities, and enhance their presence and participation in various fields.
Al Siyabi also praised the importance of the existing partnership and cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as cooperation with a number of specialised international institutions and organisations.
The Director General of the Directorate General of Youth affirmed that these partnerships represent a fundamental pillar in enriching the program's content and developing its components by leveraging international expertise and experiences and providing high-quality training programs for young people.
Malak bint Malik Al Musallamani, a participant in the third edition of the program and a graduate of Sultan Qaboos University with a degree in English Language and Literature, explained that she participated in the program out of her belief in the importance of dialogue, youth diplomacy, and a sense of responsibility towards issues and ideas.
Al Musallamani noted that the program has largely achieved its objectives. This provided participants with an environment that simulated real-world diplomatic work, encouraging constructive discussion, decision-making, and teamwork. It also fostered understanding among young people from diverse backgrounds.
Malak Al Musallamani discussed the lessons she learned from participating in the program.
Al Musallamani emphasised the importance of listening before speaking and researching before taking a stance. The program also developed her skills in negotiation, persuasion, public speaking, and working within a multi-faceted team. Furthermore, she gained an understanding that diplomacy is about building bridges and finding common ground, not defending positions.
Al Musallamani affirmed that such programs cultivate a generation more aware of international issues and more capable of dialogue and critical thinking. They also provide young people with opportunities to practically apply leadership and communication skills, helping them build a network of relationships and experiences that positively impact their academic and professional futures.
She expressed her hope that such programs and activities would continue and expand to include a larger number of young people, offering opportunities for follow-up after the program's completion through projects or alumni networks. This would ensure the experience's impact continues and transforms into tangible, youth-led initiatives.
Aisha bint Khalid Al Busaidi, a graduate of Sultan Qaboos University with a degree in Political Science and a participant in the second edition of the Youth Ambassadors Program, explained that her participation in the program helped provide her with the necessary skills in the field of diplomacy, dialogue and decision-making. The program also strengthened her principle of dialogue and teamwork, which contributes to building a conscious and promising generation capable of highlighting the identity and essence of the Omani personality in regional and international forums.
