2003 International Healthy Cities Conference

The World Health Organization selected Belfast to host the 2003 International Healthy Cities Conference. This event attracted over 800 delegates from over 68 countries around the world. The conference is held every five years and marks the official culmination of each phase of the Network. Politicians from represented cities pledged their continued support in the Belfast Declaration, which underpins Phase IV.

The Power of Local Action

The World Health Organization selected Belfast to host the 2003 International Healthy Cities Conference. This event attracted over 800 delegates from over 68 countries around the world. The conference is held every five years and marks the official conclusion of each phase of the Network. Politicians from represented cities pledged their continued support in the Belfast Declaration, which underpins Phase IV.

The programme was built around four overarching themes: designing environments that meet the needs of all citizens; tackling the wider determinants of health; building partnerships and creating effective strategies for action. A significant part of the conference was given to presenting successful projects, but emphasis was also put on tackling challenges and developing action for the future. A programme of site visits was included to present good practice in Northern Ireland on issues ranging from community development to regeneration, and give participants an opportunity to see the historical Belfast.

The conference culminated in the signing of the Belfast Declaration, which is the political platform on which Phase IV is built. The Declaration was signed by Mayors or senior politicians from attending Healthy Cities, who committed themselves to priorities including reducing inequalities, creating safe and inclusive cities, promoting health impact assessment and expanding national networks of Healthy Cities. Signatories included the then Belfast Lord Mayor, Martin Morgan.

The 2003 International Healthy Cities Conference website remains accessible and provides access to abstracts of all presentations, the full programme and social programme as well as supporting information.