Healthy and Caring Cities in Action

Urban health is increasingly recognized as a defining challenge for cities today. The conditions in which people live — including their home, land, access to basic services, and public space — directly shape physical and mental well-being, resilience, and quality of life.

In the context of rapid urbanization, climate risks, and growing inequalities, fragmented approaches are no longer sufficient. Integrated, place-based solutions are required that connect housing, basic services, and social infrastructure with planning, finance, and governance.

Several cities have begun operationalizing care as social infrastructure — focusing on proximity, urban access, time poverty, and spatial justice to close gender gaps. Bogotá's Manzanas del Cuidado (Care Blocks) pioneered co-locating services for unpaid caregivers within a short walk, providing health services, respite, education, and job pathways. Cities such as Montevideo, Freetown, Guayaquil, and Barcelona are adapting this model.

This session showcases how UN-Habitat translates urban health principles into practical action — supporting cities to deliver adequate housing and basic services as a foundation for well-being, while promoting caring cities and proximity of care. Drawing on data-driven approaches including the urban health scan implemented in Mongolia, Jordan, and Sierra Leone, the session highlights evidence-based planning and investment.