Key publications

Compendium of tools, resources and networks on Place: WHO European Healthy Cities Network Phase VII Support Package for Implementation (2020)

This compendium comprises tools, resources and networks that are related to one of the themes - place - from across the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and wider from 2010 to 2020.

Implementation framework for Phase VII (2019–2024) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network: goals, requirements and strategic approaches (2019)

The Implementation Framework document outlines the overall goals and development themes of Phase VII (2019–2024) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, and explains the application process for cities and national networks interested in joining.

Statement of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and WHO Regions for Health Network presented at the High-level Conference on Health Equity – Accelerating Progress towards Healthy and Prosperous Lives for all in the WHO European Region, 11–13 June

A multilevel governance approach to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases: the role of cities and urban settings (2019)

Almaty Acclamation of Mayors: Cities at the Frontline of Health and Well-Being for All (2018)

The Almaty Acclamation of Mayors was adopted at the WHO European Healthy Cities Network Summit of Mayors in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 24 October 2018.

Belfast Charter for Healthy Cities (2018)

This Charter expresses the commitment of political leaders of cities in Europe to promote health and well-being, keep the world safe, and protect the vulnerable, in line with WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work adopted at the World Health Assembly in May 2018.

WHO European Healthy Cities Network: Gender and health survey (2018)

This is a summary report based on the responses to the Gender and Health Survey conducted within the WHO European Healthy Cities Network during 2017.

Copenhagen Consensus of Mayors. Healthier and happier cities for all (2018)

A transformative approach for safe, inclusive, sustainable and resilient societies

Statement of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and WHO Regions for Health Network presented at the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health (2017)

Ostrava, Czech Republic, 13–15 June 2017

Fact sheet 1 - Cities. Transport, health and environment (2017)

Part of a series of fact sheets produced for the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health.

Fact sheet 2 - Cities. Urban planning and health (2017)

Part of a series of fact sheets produced for the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health.

Age-friendly environments in Europe. A handbook of domains for policy action (2017)

This publication provides a handbook for local policy-makers and planners on eight domains for policy action, covering both the physical and social environment as well as community services.

Health economic assessment tool (HEAT) for walking and for cycling. Methods and user guide on physical activity, air pollution, injuries and carbon impact assessments (2017)

The promotion of cycling and walking for everyday physical activity not only promotes health but can also have positive effects on the environment. This publication summarizes the tools and guidance developed to facilitate this shift.

Urban green spaces: a brief for action (2017)

Urbanization results in an increasing proportion of the population living in cities. In Europe it is expected that around three quarters of the population will live in urban settings by 2020. Urban living limits access to nature and can increase exposure to certain environmental hazards, such as air and noise pollution.

WHO European Healthy Cities Network statement of support - Promoting intersectoral and interagency action for health and well-being in the WHO European Region (2016)

High-level Conference, 7-8 December 2016, Paris, France

The New Urban Agenda - Habitat 3 (2016)

Endorsed at the 68th Plenary Meeting of the 71st Session of the General Assembly held on December 2016. Available in multiple languages, audio and braille.

National healthy cities networks in the WHO European Region. Promoting health and well-being throughout Europe (2015)

This book has two parts: the analysis of the multifaceted work and achievements of 20 WHO-accredited national networks and a profile of each of them, focusing on its organization, special features and achievements.

City fact sheets: WHO European Healthy Cities Network (2015)

This publication is a compilation of facts about 100 cities in nearly 30 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region that were members of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network in Phase V.

Healthy cities. Promoting health and equity – evidence for local policy and practice. Summary evaluation of Phase V of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network (2014)

This publication summarizes the evaluation of Phase V (2009–2013) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.

Health literacy. The solid facts (2013)

As societies grow more complex and people are increasingly bombarded with health information and misinformation, health literacy becomes essential. People with strong health literacy skills enjoy better health and well-being, while those with weaker skills tend to engage in riskier behaviour and have poorer health.

Addressing the social determinants of health: the urban dimension and the role of local government (2012)

This report summarizes the evidence on the social determinants of health in the urban context, drawing on the findings of the global Commission on Social Determinants of Health and the European review of social determinants of health and the health divide.

Healthy cities tackle the social determinants of inequities in health: a framework for action (2012)

This report provides practical guidance for taking action to address health inequalities at the local level. It offers helpful explanations of key concepts and offers examples of how to go about making a case and deciding which interventions to use to tackle more effectively the social determinants of health and increase commitment to addressing the causes of inequalities.

Twenty steps for developing a Healthy Cities project (1997)

This publication is intended to provide guidance and a reference framework for cities that are in the process of introducing a Healthy Cities project or, indeed, reviewing and expanding an existing one.

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