A Parallel Program, titled “National Security Pillars,” commenced Sunday at the National Defence College (NDC) of the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies of Oman.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Rear Admiral Ali Abdullah Al Shidi, Commandant of the NDC, and will run until 21 May, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

At the beginning of the program’s activities, the Commandant of the National Defence College delivered a speech, stating: “We live in an era of information wars and the clash of narratives, where digital platforms have become battlegrounds for shaping awareness and directing public opinion. Building a professional and reliable national media system capable of conveying the truth, fighting rumors and disinformation, and establishing ‘cognitive security’ that fortifies minds is an absolute necessity.”

“Today, the national media is the guardian of awareness, and its role is pivotal in highlighting achievements, boosting morale, and unifying the national ranks behind its leadership,” he added.

Subsequently, a briefing was presented outlining the general objectives of the program which include deepening a comprehensive understanding of the dimensions of national security and enhancing the state’s readiness; consolidating political and societal security as essential pillars of national security, as well as recognizing economic and media security as fundamental pillars of national security.

On its first day, the program discussed the concept of comprehensive national security within its conceptual framework and strategic transformations. It also addressed shifts in the regional and international security environment and their repercussions on national security.