“The Hidden Cities: Addressing Equity in Health and Inclusiveness in Cities”

The second annual business meeting of the World Health Organisation European Healthy Cities network was held 17-19 June in Sandnes, Norway. 

The conferences of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks have a strong political and strategic focus, therefore representatives from the Belfast Healthy Cities office, members of the Board of Directors and two Belfast City Councilors attended this meeting. In addition, the programme was designed to offer both the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the national networks the opportunity to both interact but also give visibility to their work and achievements.

Belfast in its role as secretariat for the WHO Healthy Cities Network organized this meeting in collaboration with WHO. Three hundred and twenty four people attended from 22 countries.  The programme was developed around the four thematic strands relating to the Phase V goals and the international context of this work:

• Addressing equity in health in cities: This was the central topic of the Conference and the theme of The World Health Report 2010 that was launched earlier this year in connection with World Health Day. The conference created the opportunity for serious debate addressing the obstacles to progress as well as the critical factors of success in this area.  Plans for taking forward Health Equity in all Policies in Belfast was commended by delegates during the parallel session on this topic. 
• Working on the phase V core themes: The conference provided the opportunity to learn from other cities in how they are taking forward issues under each of the core themes. This followed on from introductory discussions and clarifications on the meaning and implications for action of the Phase V goals and themes which took place at the Viana do Castelo Conference in 2009.
• Urban governance, citizen participation and public health: Urban governance and active and participatory citizenship are key to delivering on equity and addressing the social determinants of health. The conference explored different approaches to engaging different sectors and strengthening local leadership for health
• Connecting to international public health and urban agendas: Annual Healthy Cities conferences offer opportunities to promote awareness and stimulate debate on emerging topical issues that have significant implications for public health and local action.Thus the conference provided the opportunity for both politicians and city representatives to debate global issues.

For further information on the event please visit the conference website at http://www.sunnby.no/sandnes-healthy-city/home