Muscat – In a move aimed at strengthening the connection between economic growth, social development and employment, the National Employment Programme (NEP) held a coordination meeting with H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, in the presence of H E Dr Mahad Ali Baawain, Minister of Labour and Supervisor of NEP, on Monday.

The meeting focused on establishing a national governance framework for employment within Oman’s civil society and charitable sectors, with the objective of positioning these sectors as active partners in national development and job creation.

Officials discussed plans to develop an integrated institutional and operational framework that would enhance the contribution of charitable and community organisations to employment generation, increase local added value and strengthen the economic and social impact of initiatives linked to national priorities and labour market needs.

Specialists from NEP presented key strategies aimed at transforming the sector into a more sustainable and efficient operational model. The proposed framework seeks to integrate financing, initiatives and operational mechanisms while directing resources and community projects towards measurable developmental and employment outcomes.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of supporting local content and encouraging initiatives capable of creating direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly in promising economic sectors and value chains aligned with Oman Vision 2040 goals.

Participants stressed the need to establish a national committee for operational governance in the civil society and charitable sectors. The committee would oversee the development of regulatory and institutional frameworks, strengthen partnerships between government entities, the private sector and community organisations, and introduce indicators to measure the economic, social and employment impact of initiatives.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to begin implementation of the proposed approach through development of the necessary legislative and institutional frameworks to build an integrated governance system for the sector.

Officials said the initiative reflects ongoing national efforts to create more sustainable and efficient employment models based on stronger integration between sectors and greater developmental impact.