Omani Youth as Key Drivers of Green Economic Growth: Insights from the EU Ambassador
MUSCAT, OCT 21 – The youth of Oman are emerging as key drivers of green entrepreneurship, stated EU Ambassador Christophe Farnaud during his keynote address at the second edition of the Oman Climate Dialogue held in Muscat.
Speaking virtually from Riyadh, Ambassador Farnaud emphasized that young innovators possess the creativity and environmental consciousness necessary to transform climate challenges into viable business opportunities.
“This year, we are shifting focus from green jobs to green entrepreneurship,” he remarked. “We are examining how young people can generate green employment, transform their ideas into practical solutions, and establish businesses that are not only profitable but also sustainable and socially responsible.”
Ambassador Farnaud challenged the outdated notion that profitability and sustainability cannot coexist. “For too long, the belief has been that green and profit are incompatible — a misconception,” he stated. “What you will demonstrate is that these elements can indeed work hand in hand.”
The event, organised by the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO) in partnership with Muscat University, builds upon the inaugural dialogue which convened students, experts, and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities related to the green transition.
“The European Union strongly supports this approach,” said Farnaud. “By fostering circular business models, converting waste into valuable resources, and developing emissions-reducing technologies that preserve biodiversity, young innovators can serve as powerful catalysts for the green transition.”
He further noted that many successful environmental initiatives begin in universities and incubators, where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs converge. “When empowered, supported, and connected to knowledge networks, young people can become the strongest drivers of the green transition.”
Ambassador Farnaud described the workshop as a foundation for new partnerships and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. “This represents a renewed pledge to the future — a future where economic development aligns with environmental stewardship, where young innovators lead Oman’s sustainable transition, and where the European Union and Oman continue to collaborate in partnership, friendship, and mutual respect,” he concluded.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s emphasis on youth-driven green entrepreneurship signals a transformative shift that aligns profitability with sustainability, opening vast opportunities for businesses to innovate in circular economy models and eco-friendly technologies. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should prioritize supporting university incubators and green startups, as these ecosystems are emerging as critical hubs for scalable, impactful solutions that can drive Oman’s green transition and long-term economic growth.
