HOPE 2024 marked the second edition of the Housing, People and Environment platform, building on the success of its inaugural launch in 2023. Held in March 2024 under the patronage of Ahmed Al-Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, this year’s event centered on sharing evidence and insights from the Physical Activity and Built Environment (PABE) pilot studies conducted in Nizwa and Barka, two of Oman’s designated Healthy Cities.
The symposium brought together national and international researchers, urban planners, decision-makers, health experts, and local community members. The goal was clear: to highlight strategies that enhance quality of life through people-centered urban design and evidence-based approaches to city planning.
The Key Objectives of the Symposium:
- Sharing findings from the PABE pilot research
- Strengthening planning and policy skills among local and municipal stakeholders
- Promoting evidence-driven strategies for healthier and more walkable urban futures
HOPE 2024 continued to reinforce the platform’s mission: fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and community engagement to shape cities that prioritize human wellbeing.