Oman Joins 2026 Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipation Summit to Explore Partnerships

Oman’s Participation in the 2026 Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipation Summit

Represented by the Research and Innovation Authority (RIA), the Sultanate of Oman took part on Thursday in the 2026 Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipation Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland. The event was attended by scientists, diplomats and policymakers.

Focus of the Summit and Al Haddabi’s Panel Contribution

The summit centred on the future of science and technology and their role in addressing global challenges, as well as on anticipating scientific and technological transformations and exploring ways to enhance the application of scientific knowledge to support international policies and decision-making.

Dr. Saif bin Abdullah Al Haddabi, Chairman of the RIA, spoke in a panel discussion titled “Funding Scholarly Research, Academic Freedom and the Future of Global Research”. During the session he outlined Oman’s experience in building its research and innovation system and described mechanisms the country has devised to align research priorities with national goals.

Meetings with International Organizations

As part of his visit, Al Haddabi met with the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to discuss prospects for joint cooperation in supporting research and innovation systems and consolidating gains from intellectual property towards realising economic value.

The meeting reviewed Oman’s performance in the Global Innovation Index and examined the possibility of WIPO providing technical and advisory support for developing a national research and innovation plan, as well as ways to make optimum use of WIPO Academy programmes to upgrade national capabilities.

He also conferred with the Head of the Swiss Innovation Agency to learn about Switzerland’s experience in bridging the gap between research and the industrial sector.

Al Haddabi held discussions with officials from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) concerning a review of Oman’s policies on developing science, technology and innovation and an assessment of the national research and innovation system.

Later, he met with officials from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to discuss cooperation in implementing training programmes aimed at developing Oman’s national capacity in the management of research projects and related policies.

Visits to Research Facilities and Strategic Objectives

In addition, Al Haddabi visited the premises of the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Oman’s participation in the summit and the meetings with global figures were undertaken pursuant to the RIA’s efforts to enhance its international presence and broaden strategic partnerships, with the prime objective of supporting economic diversification and contributing to the realisation of the goals of Oman Vision 2040.