Professor Sir Michael Marmot, UCL Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, international expert on inequalities in health and chair of the World Health Organization's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, delivered Belfast Healthy Cities’ 21^st anniversary lecture on Thursday 8 October 2009 in the Great Hall, Queens University Belfast.

Sir Michael stressed that tackling inequalities in health and improving health for all is the responsibility of all sectors of society. He also emphasized that tackling inequalities is an issue of social justice and should be prioritised regardless of economic conditions. Taking action now is essential to prevent catastrophic climate change, which is a major health risk and will particularly harm those who already are most vulnerable.

At the event, Mary Hinds, Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professions at the Public Health Agency, also outlined the Agency’s approach to tackling inequalities. Joan Devlin, Director of Belfast Healthy Cities, outlined key milestones achieved by the partnership. The event was introduced by journalist David Dunseith, who gave his take on how Belfast and health in the city has changed over the last 20 years.