Muscat – Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) signed a memorandum of cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) on Monday to assist companies in establishing family-friendly policies, ensuring parents have the necessary time, resources and services for their young children’s care.

The pact was signed by Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, and Sumaira Chowdhury, Unicef Representative to the sultanate. 

Areej bint Mohsen Haider Darwish, board member of OCCI and head of its Businesswomen’s Committee, asserted the positive impact of implementing family-friendly policies, which contribute to the evolution of sustainable and equal societies. 

She emphasised the critical role such policies play in enhancing quality of life and achieving diverse economic and social goals, including better education, public health and gender equality.

Areej informed that the memorandum aligns with Unicef’s global vision, citing its vital role in promoting children’s rights, boosting maternal and child health, and supporting robust educational frameworks. “This initiative is a step towards realisation of these significant goals.”

Sumayra reiterated the memorandum’s role in bolstering family-friendly policies and promoting children’s rights in sync with Oman Vision 2040. She said she was hopeful of collaborative work with the chamber and its affiliates to ensure the objectives of the memorandum are achieved.