BOS Webinar - Young Diplomat BOS Grantees – Reflections on Oman

Webinar Details

Date: Wednesday, 18 June 2025
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (UK time)
Platform: Zoom.

Register here to join online via Zoom

Chair: Jamie Bowden, BOS Trustee and former Ambassador to Oman
Panelists: Adeel Hussain, Harry Gartside, Michael Whitehead, and an Omani diplomat Asaad Al Raeesi

The Government of Oman recently invited students from the University of Oxford’s Diplomatic Studies Programme on a study trip to Oman, which was supported by a BOS grant.

This panel brings together three Young Diplomat Grantees—Adeel Hussain, Harry Gartside, Michael Whitehead—alongside Omani diplomat Asaad Al Raeesi, offering both UK and Omani perspectives on diplomacy.

Each panellist will speak briefly on a key theme from the visit, followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A. The proposed topics include:

• Preparing young Omanis for Oman’s evolving and sustainable economy
• Visions of Oman in 2040
• The UK-Oman bilateral relationship from a diplomatic perspective

The discussion will also explore broader themes on the future of diplomacy, insights gained from the visit, and how these lessons apply to their current roles. While an open discussion is encouraged, panelists are advised to remain mindful of sensitivities regarding Oman. However, reflections on UK diplomacy can be approached more candidly.