Oslo Unplugged: What It Actually Takes to Free a City Centre

Oslo’s new Green Mobility Plan (Grønn mobilitetsplan) outlines an uncompromising vision: a city where 85% of all trips are made by foot, bike, or public transport. But shifting from a «car-lite» dream to a truly car-free reality requires more than strategy documents—it takes radical design, political friction, and immense courage.

Can we break the car habit? Would Oslo finally get a city vibe, or is the new green mobility plan 85% wishful thinking?

To unpack what it actually takes to free a city centre, we are joined by Stefan De Brabander, Chief of Staff to Filip Watteeuw, Deputy Mayor of Ghent for Housing, Environment, Climate and Energy, – one of the masterminds behind their legendary, overnight 2017 mobility transformation.

Why does Oslo’s mobility revolution always seem to stall in compromises? How do we solve critical city logistics, deliveries, and emergency access without through-traffic? Join us for an honest conversation about the trade-offs, the resistance, and what Oslo can learn from a city that already took the leap.

In an open dialogue, Stefan De Brabander will be joined by a representative from the Oslo City Government Department for Environment and Transport; Anders Jameson Skrede, Director of Project and Development at Selvaag Eiendom; and Øyvind Bjørnstad, Sustainability and Supply Chain Manager at Vestre. Moderated by Silvia Oumnikova of Oumnik.Studio, the panel will weigh Oslo’s ambitions against the realities on the ground.

Stefan De Brabander, Chief of Staff to Filip Watteeuw, Deputy Mayor of Ghent for Housing, Environment, Climate and Energy (until 2025 Deputy Mayor for Mobility, Public Space and Urban Planning).

Over the past decade, Ghent has become an international reference for human-centred urban development, shifting the focus of its streets and public spaces from cars to people. Under the political leadership of Filip Watteeuw, the city of Ghent implemented its landmark Circulation Plan, reclaiming public space for pedestrians, cyclists and urban life while improving safety, accessibility and quality of life. Stefan has been closely involved in this influential urban transformation story.

This transformation was not just a matter of urban design. It was also a political process that required vision, determination and extensive dialogue with residents, businesses and stakeholders. Despite significant public debate and resistance, Ghent demonstrated that ambitious change is possible when cities put people at the centre of policymaking.

As Chief of Staff and a close collaborator in this journey, Stefan De Brabander brings unique insights into how political leadership, public engagement and urban planning can work together to create more liveable, sustainable and inclusive cities.