Salalah – The Government Transformation and Sustainable Leadership Conference, part of Labour Forum 2025, wrapped up on Tuesday in Salalah with a series of recommendations aimed at modernising the labour market, boosting national skills, advancing digital services and improving policy access.

Delegates from Oman and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries agreed on four priority areas, including labour market governance. The recommendations called for stronger partnerships with the private sector, employers, sectoral committees and academic institutions to ensure policies reflect a range of perspectives. They urged a review of existing laws to create more flexible and inclusive employment policies that can adapt to changing needs, and the strengthening of governance committees to analyse challenges and propose solutions.

Also in focus was developing national competencies and entrepreneurship. The forum urged the creation of specialised training programmes for graduates and jobseekers, particularly in green and digital sectors. It also called for greater support for startups and self-employment initiatives through funding, simpler procedures and innovation-friendly environments. “Empowering young people and entrepreneurs means giving them the platform to share their success and connect with market,” one participant said.

On digital transformation in the government sector, recommendations included investing in infrastructure, expanding the use of electronic authentication and signatures, and training leaders in digital management. The forum also proposed integrating digital skills into human resource development and extending insurance coverage to informal sector workers, including optional protection against occupational injuries and diseases.

The final set of recommendations stressed on making the forum’s outcomes widely accessible through an interactive online platform, enabling participants and stakeholders to review documents, recommendations and presentations. The aim, officials said, is to promote knowledge-sharing and strengthen expertise exchange.

The three-day conference highlighted the fact that implementing proposals will require strategic public-private partnerships, ongoing innovation and capacity building in line with Oman Vision 2040.

The concluding session also examined smart management in government. Discussions included the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing transparency, decision-making and digital transformation, with the Ministry of Labour presenting its Smart Management Project as an example of turning technology into opportunities.

Key Recommendations

Improve labour market governance through private sector and academic partnerships

Review laws to create flexible, inclusive employment policies

Launch specialised training in green and digital sectors

Support startups and self-employment with funding

Invest in digital infrastructure and expand e-authentication

Extend insurance coverage to informal sector workers