Under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior, The Walis Programme was launched as part of the National Initiative for the Development of Local Governance, implemented by the Royal Academy of Management in partnership with the Ministry of Interior.
The initiative is comprised of different components such as The Governors Programme and The Walis Programme. It was implemented in collaboration with key local, regional, and international institutions specialising in advancing local administration, strengthening leadership capabilities, and understanding local contexts for future governorate development. Emphasis was placed on refining legislation governing local administrations, aligning with national plans, leveraging optimal international practices, and drawing from diverse experiences for enhanced effectiveness.
His Excellency Sayyed Khalifa bin Al Mardas Al Busaidi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Interior, emphasised the significance of The Walis Programme within the National Initiative for the Development of Local Governance, implemented by the Royal Academy of Management. This initiative aims to reinforce modern principles of local administration among the Walis, who are crucial leaders within the governance framework at their respective Wilayat levels. Its goal is to enhance their capabilities in contributing to the creation and effective execution of comprehensive local development plans, crucial for achieving high-efficiency implementation on the ground and aligning with decentralised management principles in the development of governorates.
His Excellency Sayyed Khalifa added that the programme encompasses several important aspects focused on enhancing the work system, including capacity development and the utilisation of cutting-edge management techniques.
His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Qassim Al Lawati, President of the Royal Academy of Management, stated in his speech: “The programme emphasises contemporary management concepts, legislation, governance, leadership, media, economics, and national resilience.”
Additionally, His Excellency highlighted the pivotal role of the Walis in the comprehensive development across the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman throughout its renaissance. Underlining the era of renewed progress towards Oman Vision 2040, he emphasised the significance of Royal Decree No. 36/2022 in establishing the System of Governorates. This decree entrusted Walis with direct responsibilities tied to the lives and aspirations of citizens, enabling them to convey the needs of the populace to the government through governors. This underscores the state’s recognition of the crucial role Walis play in the developmental process as a fundamental pillar that harmonises with the governors’ duties. Their collective aim is to advance the Wilayat and strengthen its local influence, fostering innovative local development models rooted in comparative advantages, all while being centred around the citizen as both the objective and the driving force of development.
His Excellency emphasised that local administration serves as the bridge between the state and its citizens, functioning as an authentic reflection of developmental progress. The efficiency of local administration significantly enhances the translation of strategic planning and overarching visions into tangible actions and decentralised implementation.
The Walis Programme aims to empower local leaders within the governorates to actively drive comprehensive and balanced local development in alignment with the Sultanate of Oman’s current and future directions toward decentralisation and the development of governorates.
The programme’s implementation methodology relies on contemporary executive learning methods, integrating field visits, interactive lectures, workshops, and practical applications to enrich the academic component. It also involves engaging in dialogue sessions with specialists and leadership figures with expertise in strategy, planning, and executive experiences. The programme also entails a comprehensive review of both national and international models that have significantly impacted local development and economic diversification, aiming for a qualitative transformation.
The Royal Academy of Management launched the National Initiative for Development of Local Governance and The Governors Programme in December last year to enhance capabilities in the areas of governance, administrative and economic decentralisation, and provide best practices in local administration. This will reflect positively on the development of the governorates and enhance their competitiveness.
