Advancing Health and Climate Action for Enhanced Well-being

The interplay between urban form, public health, and climate is profound. John Snow's 1854 discovery of contaminated water sources in London underscores the importance of urban planning in health breakthroughs. Similarly, urbanization affects natural habitats, climate, and health, as acknowledged by the One Health concept. UN-Habitat and WHO also acknowledged in their sourcebook that disease prevention can be achieved through thoughtful urban design and management.
Outcomes of recent global climate conferences—e.g., the Special Report on Climate Change and Health (COP26) and the Declaration on Climate and Health (COP28)—have recognized that, while climate change will escalate both acute and longer-term hazards (e.g., extreme weather events, droughts) and associated health risks, strategic urban planning and health-informed climate action can mitigate these risks while optimizing co-benefits for health and well-being.
UN-Habitat and WHO have been collaborating to explore this crucial challenge and propose solutions. For instance, they have developed a sourcebook to support urban leaders and health and planning professionals in effectively integrating health in urban and territorial planning. In anticipation of COP29, they have contributed to launching a new Multisectoral Actions Partnership (MAP) for Sustainable, Climate Resilient and Healthy Cities, bringing together other UN agencies, multilateral development banks, philanthropic organizations, and bilateral donors.
At this timely moment, this event will foster dialogue between urban planners, health professionals and climate experts to explore shared priorities and actionable strategies on the ground. The discussion will highlight practical, yet innovative solutions to mainstream health into urban climate action and planning, ultimately leading to improved urban health and well-being. These conversations will also feed into discussions at upcoming global fora, including COP29, the International Conference on Urban Health (ICUH), and the Second Global Conference on Air pollution and Health.