Muscat – Experts have called for greater investment in capacity building, knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships to strengthen Oman’s Learning Cities initiative and enhance its prospects for international recognition, including Unesco’s Global Learning City Award.

The recommendations emerged during a workshop titled Supporting Social Innovation in Learning Cities, organised by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with Sultan Qaboos University.

Participants highlighted social innovation as a key driver of lifelong learning and sustainable development, stressing its role in helping communities address social, economic and environmental challenges through practical and innovative solutions.

Speaking at the event, Dr Mahmood bin Abdullah Al Abri, Secretary-General of the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, said Learning Cities have become important platforms for promoting lifelong learning and supporting sustainable development.

He noted that the inclusion of Muscat, Sur and Nizwa in Unesco’s Global Network of Learning Cities reflects Oman’s commitment to building a knowledge-based society in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Dr Al Abri said social innovation enables communities to turn challenges into opportunities through cooperation between educational institutions, government entities, businesses and local stakeholders. He added that expanding partnerships at national and international levels would strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of Oman’s Learning Cities.

Dr Aisha bint Salem bin Ali Al Harthy, head of the Social Innovation in Omani Learning Cities initiative at Sultan Qaboos University, said rapid economic, technological and social changes have made social innovation increasingly important for future development.

She said Learning Cities create an environment where education extends beyond knowledge acquisition to support problem-solving, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Drawing on international experience, Dr Aisha cited Colombia’s Medellín as an example of how social innovation and education-based partnerships can address community challenges, reduce school dropout rates and support local development.

The workshop featured presentations on Unesco’s Global Network of Learning Cities, the experiences of Muscat, Sur and Nizwa, and the role of lifelong learning and entrepreneurship in advancing inclusive growth.

Academics, education specialists and representatives from Oman’s Learning Cities attended the event, which forms part of broader efforts to strengthen knowledge-based communities through innovation and cross-sector collaboration.