ESCWA launched the pilot phase of the "SDG Stories" project in Oman through a series of workshops and field visits held from 28 to 30 October, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and under the patronage of Assistant Director-General for Educational Affairs Sheikha Al Shaabi.
The project targets 20 schools across various governorates of Oman and aims to instil the principles of the SDGs and the values of the United Nations among students, while reflecting the cultural and ethical context of the Arab region. It also seeks to foster critical thinking and creativity among students, encouraging them to address development challenges through storytelling and school-based initiatives.
In a training workshop for teachers aimed at enhancing their understanding of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Goals, ESCWA promoted responsible citizenship, a culture of knowledge and innovation, and the integration of the SDGs into school curricula. It also encouraged teachers to implement sustainable initiatives within schools and their surrounding communities, empowering students to become active contributors to development.
ESCWA also conducted field visits to participating schools to review implementation plans, observe classroom activities, and engage directly with students. Through interactive sessions based on the five-volume "ESCWA Stories" book series, the team assessed students' knowledge of the SDGs and distributed questionnaires to measure the project's impact on awareness and engagement.
In the same context, the SDG Stories team at ESCWA visited Bahrain, where it showcased the achievement of inspiring Arab youth with UN values during a major event organized by Josour on 29 and 30 October. The event highlighted the project's transformative impact on youth, schools, families, and communities across the Arab region, demonstrating how the power of storytelling could serve as a powerful educational and human tool to build a generation more committed to sustainable development.
