Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) will lead a sub-plenary session titled Towards Healthy Dry Cities: Insights and Strategies at the conference. The session brings together experts from MoPH, Qatar University, Earthna, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to explore practical approaches for advancing health and well-being in arid urban environments.

To set the stage, the session will feature the short film Healthy Dry Cities, developed by WISH in 2020 and publicly available on the BMJ website. The film highlights Qatar’s early and ongoing leadership in health innovation for dry cities, an increasingly urgent issue as urbanisation and climate change intensify water scarcity challenges worldwide.

This moment is a powerful example of WISH’s unique approach: identifying critical health topics, curating meaningful conversations, and seeking innovative solutions that move from dialogue to action. The strong collaboration between WISH, MoPH, and global actors like the WHO is a testament to the impact of partnership in advancing health policy and practice.

WISH’s mission is to drive conversations that lead to measurable impact. Including the Healthy Dry Cities initiative at IUHPE 2025 demonstrates how these efforts inspire and inform global health agendas.

References

• Healthy Dry Cities Video
• BMJ Healthy Dry Cities Page
• Qatar Ministry of Public Health
• WHO

Tags: Healthy Dry Cities, WISH Impact, Qatar Ministry of Public Health, WHO, IUHPE 2025, Health Promotion, Arid Cities, Global Health Collaboration, Innovation

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Curated by Mr. Oscar, Director at Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDI), the session focused on building systems that drive innovation through collaboration, with thematic clusters as one tested approach. Panelists shared global perspectives, including insights from Saxony, Germany, where well-integrated research and industry ecosystems have demonstrated measurable impact.

“Innovation thrives when science, policy, and industry align. This discussion underscored the importance of structured collaboration—whether through clusters or other proven models—in transforming research into tangible health solutions,” said Dr. Slim Slama.

With this session laying the foundation for deeper engagement, WISH and QRDI will continue collaborating on global health initiatives, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a hub for biomedical innovation.

For more updates, visit [wish.org.qa] and follow #WISHQatar.

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As lifestyle diseases surge across Qatar and the GCC, affecting younger populations, promoting physical activity has become a critical health priority. The pandemic significantly disrupted global movement patterns, exacerbating sedentary lifestyles and accelerating the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Abdulla’s presentation shed light on these challenges and the urgent need for policy-driven interventions to promote active lifestyles.

“COVID-19 not only reshaped healthcare but also redefined how we move. The surge in sedentary lifestyles is a ticking time bomb for public health, especially in regions like the GCC, where NCDs are on the rise at younger ages,”_ said Abdulla Al-Mohannadi, Forums Manager at WISH.

WISH has long championed wellbeing, rehabilitation, and disability inclusion, making it a core track in its global health program. Even at the height of the pandemic, WISH adapted, hosting its 6th edition in 2020 partially online, drawing a record-breaking 25,000 participants.

With this discussion at GlobeHeal 2025, WISH continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global health dialogues, ensuring that physical activity is recognized as a key pillar of health promotion in the communities for long-term public health resilience.

For more on WISH’s work in this space, visit wish.org.qa and follow #WISHQatar.

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Speaking on the panel “Duty of Care to Protect the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers”, Dr. Sanaa emphasized the urgent need for stronger policies, institutional support, and systemic change to safeguard the wellbeing of those on the frontlines of healthcare. Her insights were further validated when the WISH report, “Duty of Care” was referenced by WHO HRH Director Jim Campbell in a virtual presentation—underscoring its global relevance.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis in Healthcare

Globally, healthcare workers are facing unprecedented levels of stress, burnout, and poor working conditions due to staff shortages, heavy workloads, and inadequate compensation. This crisis is particularly evident in Qatar and the GCC, where mental health conditions are rising—especially among younger populations. As WISH has long advocated, if we expect to be cared for, we must also care for those who care for us.

WISH: A Platform for Health Professionals

With mental health as a dedicated track in its program, WISH continues to be a global meeting ground for healthcare professionals. The 7th edition of WISH in 2024 in Doha welcomed 4,500 delegates, including a strong representation of health workers, reinforcing its role as a platform for action, research, and advocacy on workforce wellbeing.

“Sustaining a resilient healthcare system starts with protecting the mental health of those on the frontlines. It is not just a moral responsibility but a strategic necessity,” said Dr. Sanaa.

As WISH continues its advocacy, research, and convening efforts, it remains committed to driving global conversations on mental health in healthcare—ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to caring for others receive the support they deserve.

For more updates, visit wish.org.qa and follow #WISHQatar.

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Held at the picturesque Heenat Salma Farm, the event was a reminder of the deep connection between nature, climate, and health—a backdrop that underscored the urgency of sustainable, forward-thinking policymaking. Organized by the College of Public Policy at HBKU, the competition brought together students who have spent months applying design thinking methodologies to real-world policy challenges. Their projects reflected the creativity, analytical rigor, and bold vision that #Qatar is nurturing through Qatar Foundation’s commitment to education, science, and technology.

Dr. Evren Tok, Associate Dean for Community Engagement, College of Public Policy, at HBKU and the curator of this unique policy lab said “The Policy Lab is designed to push students beyond conventional thinking, equipping them with the tools to design real-world solutions. Seeing their innovative approaches to health and policy challenges—especially in areas like technology and sustainability—reinforces the importance of investing in the next generation of changemakers. WISH’s engagement in this process adds immense value by connecting academic innovation with real-world impact.”

“Hearing these young minds present their perspectives on health and technology was nothing short of inspiring. It is a testament to the vision of @QatarFoundation’s founders and their investment in future leaders,” said Dr. Slim Slama.

For WISH, fostering local and global partnerships is central to its strategy. As Qatar’s premier platform for global health, WISH continues to build strong ties with Qatari institutions like HBKU, ensuring that emerging voices in policy and innovation have a place in shaping the country’s health landscape.

With collaborations like these, WISH reaffirms its role not only as a global convener but also as a key player in driving innovation and thought leadership within #Qatar.

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