MUSCAT : The Ministry of Social Development, working closely with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), held multiple bilateral meetings and a three-day joint workshop with government agencies and sectoral partners to prepare for the next phase of enhancing Oman’s child protection system. The discussions focused on improving coordination between child-related sectors and advancing plans to digitise and automate referral pathways.

This latest step builds on a series of significant achievements recorded throughout 2024. In June, the Ministry and UNICEF launched an updated edition of the Child Protection Guide, followed by a nationwide training-of-trainers program completed in September. To expand access and reinforce learning, virtual training sessions were held in October across the Sultanate.

The December workshop marked a new milestone, spotlighting how digital tools can improve service quality, shorten response times, and strengthen support for at-risk children. Over the three days, UNICEF experts and Omani officials reviewed current referral operations, identified gaps, and explored opportunities for digital transformation. Representatives from various government sectors and partner organisations also participated in an extensive workshop aimed at enhancing cross-sector collaboration.

Ms. Maani bint Abdullah Al Busaidi, Director General of Family Development at the Ministry of Social Development, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to modernising child protection efforts. “The Ministry of Social Development continuously strives to develop the child protection system in the Sultanate of Oman and enhance referral and case management systems to keep pace with modern changes and align with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040,” she said. “The transition to an integrated, automated referral system represents a qualitative step that contributes to accelerating response and providing more coordinated and effective support to every child in need.”

UNICEF Representative in Oman, Her Excellency Soumaira Chowdhury, praised Oman’s leadership in the field, noting that progress toward a digital referral system marks a pivotal step forward. “UNICEF is proud to support digital transformation efforts within the framework of Oman Vision 2040’s objectives related to children. The outcomes and recommendations from the meetings and workshop will contribute to developing a timeline for the digital platform, enhancing integration among stakeholders, and improving case management processes across the Sultanate,” she said.

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