World Cities Day

The Urban Health Training Course equips practitioners and policymakers with the knowledge, skills, and networks to improve urban health and well-being through a holistic, integrated approach. It focuses on foundational knowledge, collaborative practice, effective engagement, and diagnostic and problem-solving competencies. The course targets those influencing health determinants within and beyond the health sector, including actors shaping physical and social environments. On World Cities Day 2025 , the WHO launches the first two of nine modules as a preview of what learners can expect. These modules can be taken individually or discussed in local cross-sector teams, offering a shared opportunity to explore how health can be improved through coordinated action. Module 1 – Introduction to urban health :
Introduces key concepts defining the urban environment — such as neighbourhoods, density, and land use —and how they shape health. It explores urban health inequities and the structura...

Building on decades of WHO’s work on urban health, this new guide offers governments and partners a roadmap for acting strategically to link health with major policy priorities such as climate change, health emergencies, digital transformation, and migration . It highlights the shared responsibility across sectors and levels of government to create coherent urban health strategies that make cities and communities more equitable, sustainable, and resilient.  On October 31st, frol 13:00 – 14:00 CET a hybrid event will be held. The guide for decision-m  =akers  will be officially launched during the celebration of the  World Cities Day ( October 31st ) in a hybrid event . Get More details of the event . Launch of "Taking a strategic approach to urban health: a guide for decision-makers" 31 October 2025 13:00 – 14:00 CET.

World Cities Day , designated by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/239 , is celebrated annually on October 31st . It serves as an opportunity to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization , advance cooperation among countries in addressing urban challenges and contribute to sustainable urban development around the world. This year’s World Cities Day 2025 focuses on promoting smart city initiatives that put people at the centre . The concept of a people-centred smart city goes beyond technological advancements and digital innovation . It emphasizes evidence-driven decision-making , integrated urban systems , and participatory governance to make urban areas more inclusive and sustainable . The World Health Organization (WHO) joins UN partners and global stakeholders in commemorating WCD 2025 by highlighting the critical role of urban health in putting people’s health at the centre of smart transition in cities around the world. To mark the...

The Partnership for Healthy Cities is a collaboration between Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization , and Vital Strategies . It is a technical network. Cities can only join by invitation but no membership fees are required.  PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTHY CITIES