Muscat: Oman Environmental Services Holding Company S.A.O.C. (be'ah) became a prominent destination for international experts on waste management and received international recognition in the field of sustainability, as it hosted the much-anticipated ISWA World Congress 2023, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Center in Muscat from October 30 to November 1, 2023.
Organized annually by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the prestigious international event garnered significant attention from environmental leaders and experts worldwide, showcasing this year the Sultanate's commitment to sustainability and positioning the country as a global leader in waste management and environmental stewardship.
The Congress attracted over 1,200 attendees from around the globe, representing a diverse and influential global network dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and waste management. delegates from around the world were given a unique opportunity to witness Oman's incredible strides in sustainable waste management. They had the chance to visit be'ah's state-of-the-art hazardous waste management facilities and cutting-edge laboratory in Sohar. The excursion also included visits to the well-maintained landfills in Barkaa and Amerat, which serve as prime examples of be'ah's commitment to international standards and sustainable practices.
Underlining the value of this international event, Dr. Mohab Ali Al Hinai, VP of Sustainability and Circular Economy, at be'ah, stated: "We were honored to host the ISWA World Congress and to welcome esteemed professionals from around the world to witness our operations and advances in the Sultanate. This event provided a platform to reiterate Oman's steadfast dedication to pioneering sustainability across industries, as well as be’ah’s commitment to promoting circular economy and sustainability, pursuing its strategy aligned with Oman Vision 2040. We have set a global benchmark for environmental stewardship, and our commitment to creating a cleaner, more sustainable world is unwavering."
be'ah's journey towards excellence in waste management began in 2012 when they initiated the ambitious task of closing over 300 traditional dumpsites and rehabilitating a significant number of them. In their place, 11 engineered landfills and 16 transfer stations were established, all built to the highest international standards. Sustainability and health, safety, and environment (HSE) considerations were at the core of these developments, ensuring the responsible management of hazardous waste and preventing any leachate leakage.
This ISWA World Congress 2023 showcased Oman's commitment to preserving the environment and served as a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices with the global community, ultimately advancing the cause of a cleaner, more sustainable world. As the Congress drew to a close, the global community passed the torch to the next hosting city, Cape Town, South Africa, with a renewed commitment to shaping a Net Zero Future.