As part of the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts to promote the principles of transparency and community participation in decision-making, the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers organises the annual “Together Forward” Forum as a national initiative that reflects the government’s commitment to opening direct channels of dialogue with citizens and empowering them to play an active role in discussing national priorities. It provides an open and constructive platform free of barriers, aiming to foster a culture of dialogue around developmental, economic, and social issues. The forum embodies the state’s vision for more open and interactive governance, helping to build a shared understanding of the challenges and aspirations within the framework of Oman Vision 2040.
The first edition of the forum was launched on 19 March 2023, with around 600 participants. Participation at the time was geographically limited, and the forum addressed key topics affecting the national development path, including Oman Vision 2040, fiscal sustainability, and employment and labour market issues. This edition marked a significant turning point in a broader national dialogue, enabling citizens to directly express their views and provide feedback to officials and decision-makers.
The second edition, held on 11 February 2024, marked a qualitative leap in terms of geographical representation, depth of engagement, and diversity of topics. Around 1,200 participants from across Oman’s governorates took part on the first day, representing various age groups, employment statuses, and educational backgrounds. The forum tackled key sectors, including education, health, society and citizenship, youth development, and media. Citizens were given the opportunity to select one of three proposed themes to discuss with decision-makers, alongside an overview of current efforts, adding a tangible participatory element to the forum’s structure.
The selection of themes for the second edition reflected the role of digital public participation in shaping the forum’s agenda. The public was given the opportunity to contribute via an online survey in which 7,500 people took part. The theme “Human and Society” received the highest number of votes (2,248), while “Labour Market and Employment” emerged as the most requested new theme, gathering 756 votes outside the original three options. As a result, the second edition of the forum was expanded to span two days, attracting a total of over 1,800 participants. Additionally, 5,314 citizens registered through the forum’s digital platform, reflecting the success of the initiative in strengthening digital engagement and facilitating transparent public involvement in shaping national priorities.
The forum also witnessed the launch of the “Idea Makers” initiative, designed to provide creative young individuals with a platform to present their innovative ideas in a competitive setting, based on the belief in the importance of social innovation. The initiative attracted approximately 1,300 participants, submitting a total of 461 ideas. Submissions undergo a rigorous evaluation process led by an independent judging panel composed of experts, who assess the proposals according to clear criteria. Selected ideas may be adopted and supported by the Oman Investment Authority, in alignment with the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Interactive dialogue sessions were also held during the forum, where participants were encouraged to ask questions and discuss ideas transparently and objectively through various methods, including direct speaking, submitting questions via a dedicated online platform, or using the interactive hashtag #Together_Forward on social media. These tools allowed for broader participation and more dynamic engagement between attendees and speakers.
In addition to discussion panels, the forum included visual presentations, an interactive exhibition, and a youth ideas marathon, reflecting the event’s vibrant spirit of engagement and innovation.
The third edition of the forum took place on 26–27 February 2025, attracting over 4,000 attendees and more than 19,000 participants in selecting the themes for discussion. Key topics included economy and development, investment, governorate development, the future of professions, the pension system, and culture and sport. Several national digital platforms were also launched during the event, including the “Tajawob” platform for complaints and suggestions, the Unified Government Services Portal, and the National System for Planning, Evaluation, and Performance Monitoring. Notably, many of these platforms were originally inspired by proposals submitted by participants in the “Idea Makers” initiative during the second edition, highlighting the crucial role this initiative plays in fostering innovation and supporting digital transformation in Oman.
Comprehensive information about the forum across all its editions is available on the official “Together Forward” digital platform, which provides transparent access to all content related to the forum. The platform presents detailed information on each edition’s themes, outcomes, statistics, and key initiatives. It also offers videos of panel discussions and activities, ensuring continued engagement and accessibility.
Ultimately, the “Together Forward” Forum serves as a living example of Oman’s commitment to embedding a culture of digital civic engagement through open and transparent dialogue with its citizens. The forum continues to evolve as a national space for inclusive discussion and policy development that reflects the aspirations and needs of the community, paving the way towards a more sustainable and participatory future.
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