Oman's speech to the G77-China Summit in Cuba

Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, delivered a speech on behalf of the Sultanate of Oman to the Summit of the 77 countries and China in the Cuban capital, Havana on the role of science, technology and innovation in meeting current development challenges as follows:

“Your Excellency Miguel Díaz-Canel,

Highnesses, Excellencies, ladies and gentlmen Peace be upon you.

It is an honour to convey to you the greetings of His Majesty Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman and his best wishes for success of this summit.

I would also like to express our sincere congratulations to the Republic of Cuba on assuming the presidency of the G77 and China. We appreciate its hosting of this summit.

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for its efforts during its presidency of the previous session.

I also wish to welcome the high level engagement of China here. China’s relations with the G77 countries and its role in supporting development in many regions of the world, are both highly appreciated by the Sultanate of Oman.

I should note that Oman has been working hard in the fields of technology, science, and innovation to advance its development strategy. We work diligently to develop our digital economy, to diversify our sources of income and to maintain the pace of our sustainable growth and prosperity.

The significant progress we see now in the field of artificial intelligence represents a pivotal opportunity that opens doors to great potential for economic and social improvements. We know that achieving this requires effective international cooperation, including the exchange of knowledge and technology. It also requires establishing frameworks to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of artificial intelligence and strengthening institutional systems and their various structures.

Oman Vision 2040 aims to stimulate innovation and investment, develop human resources and to empower the public and private sectors to contribute to development in all its social, economic, and scientific dimensions.

A number of developing countries still face major challenges in their ability to deal with issues such as climate change, energy security, food security, health and education challenges prevent them from achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

We see the importance of addressing the concerns of nations of the global south and working to intensify south-south cooperation. Meetings such as today's, shed light and contribute to addressing the multiple crises faced by developing countries in supply chain disruptions, debt constraints, political issues, as well as challenges related to climate change.

As you are well aware, sustainable development is a common goal for all parties, including civil society organisations and the private sector. We would like to stress the importance of multilateral international cooperation and the need to exert concerted efforts for the development of strategies and executive mechanisms to achieve sustainable development. This is the way to enable our world to close the economic gap between developed and developing countries and achieve sustainable development for all.

In the same context, it is vital to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology, to create funding mechanisms and to stimulate scientific research and innovation, so that societies can develop solutions to address contemporary development issues and their pressing challenges. It is also vital to ensure active participation and mutual commitment of all countries.

In conclusion, we would like to reiterate our deep thanks and appreciation to the friendly Republic of Cuba for its efforts to prepare for this summit and for its warm reception and hospitality.

Thank you for your attention.”