WHO Healthy Cities is a global movement working to put health high on the social, economic and political agenda of city governments.
For 30 years the WHO European Healthy Cities Network has brought together some 100 flagship cities (of which Cork is a member) and approximately 30 national networks.
WHO provides political, strategic and technical support as well as capacity-building.
Flagship cities and national networks cover some 1400 municipalities.
The shared goal is to engage local governments in political commitment, institutional change, capacity-building, partnership-based planning and innovation.
30 years of Healthy Cities
In 2018, the network celebrates its 30th year across the whole European Region, kicking off with the Summit of Mayors and building up to the International Healthy Cities Conference in Belfast in October.
For 3 decades the Healthy Cities movement has been a pioneering driver of change, creating healthier urban settings that support the health and well-being of the people that use them.
The network celebrates the past 30 years with an eye on the future, recognizing that cities are playing a critical role socially, culturally and politically.
Within a complex world of multiple tiers of government, numerous sectors working towards similar goals, and many stakeholders involved in the pursuit of health and well-being, cities are uniquely placed to provide leadership.
Global problems are being dealt with at a local level. The Healthy Cities vision acknowledges this.
See WHO EUROPE Governance snapshot: whole-of-government approach Ireland: Healthy Ireland