Governments face complex health challenges shaped by the evolving interactions of people and institutions with urban environments; these are compounded as cities expand and urban populations grow. A new WHO report, Taking a strategic approach to urban health: a guide for decision-makers, provides a structured framework for addressing such challenges strategically, avoiding the limitations and undesired consequences of fragmented, short-term initiatives.
The report will be launched on World Cities Day 2025, bringing together WHO leadership, Member States, and global partners to discuss how strategic approaches can transform urban health practice and policy. Speakers will highlight the guide’s key messages, share perspectives from cities and countries, and outline next steps for applying its recommendations.
This year, World Cities Day focuses on people-centred smart cities – this launch is a timely moment to reflect that “smart” is not merely about new technology but about acting strategically to put people’s health and equity at the heart of urban systems and urban development.
The global launch event will take place on Friday, 31 October 2025, 13:00–14:00 CET and will be livestreamed (the link is available below). The event includes:
- A presentation of Taking a strategic approach to urban health: a guide for decision-makers
- Reflections from Member States and UN Agencies
- A high-level panel discussion on taking the urban health agenda forward
- Statements from WHO leadership
/social-determinants-of-health-(sdh)/sdh-director's-office-(sdo)/launch-of-uh-strategic-guide.png?sfvrsn=389a5089_4 "Launch of UH Strategic Guide")