BP Oman launches new $5m social initiative

Muscat: BP Oman has launched a US$5 million social investment programme (SIP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Oil and Gas and BP’s partner Oman Oil Company for Explorations and Production (OOCEP).
The formalities for the fifth annual edition of the unique programme were held in Muscat on Tuesday.
The programme will focus on three key themes: education, enterprise development and energy sustainability.
“Our social investment programme is aligned with the Sultanate’s vision to develop Omani capabilities and is part of the company’s strategy towards ‘in country value’ initiatives. The programme’s broad scope enables us to reach and impact a diverse audience of people within the fields of energy sustainability, education and enterprise development,” Yousuf Al Ojaili, BP Oman president, said.
The 2018/2019 social investment programme will feature 19 initiatives and 14 partners, with Destination Sustainability acting as the implementing partner.
The programme is focused on engaging all ages and genders, giving everyone equal opportunities for growth, which BP believes will lead to empowering Omanis and supporting the nation in its efforts towards a self-sufficient and progressive future.
Educational initiatives will be delivered to a wide range of age groups with a spotlight on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and skills for life.
Technology initiatives will include 3D printing and augmented reality activities.
Enterprise development activities have been designed to target start-ups, students with business ideas, and graduates of entrepreneurship programmes.
In energy sustainability, the focus will be on activities that concentrate on higher education institutes and potential SMEs in the energy sector.
These programmes will be aligned with BP’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and its energy transition agenda.
“The future needs a steady stream of talented people with strong foundations who will continue to drive progress and innovation to solve the challenges that we will all face in the years to come. We’re excited to have increased our educational programmes from 13 to 15 and pleased we are able to support BP’s broader ambition to reduce our carbon footprint through our energy sustainability programme,” Shamsa Al Rawahi, Social Investment Manager, said.
The signing was attended by BP Oman’s President Eng Yousuf Al Ojaili, and several new partners, including the Ministry of Education, Sultan Qaboos University, the National Museum and Children’s Public Library.