Belfast Healthy Cities highlighted another year of international collaboration, strategic leadership and local action to improve health and reduce inequalities at its Annual General Meeting on 5 November 2026.

The organisation’s Annual Impact Report 2025–26 showcases its continued role in connecting Belfast with the World Health Organization (WHO) European Healthy Cities Network, bringing international evidence, expertise and learning into local policy and practice.

A significant focus during the year was progressing Belfast’s designation for Phase VIII of the WHO Healthy Cities programme (2026–2030), alongside strengthening Belfast Healthy Cities’ role as Secretariat for the UK Healthy Cities & Towns Network, supporting collaboration and shared learning across cities and towns throughout the UK.

International engagement included participation in the WHO European Healthy Cities Annual Business Meeting in Bursa, Türkiye, alongside a delegation from Belfast, providing opportunities to showcase local achievements and contribute to international discussions on healthier, more sustainable cities.

Key achievements from the year, highlighted in the report included:

• 70+ stakeholder and policymaker meetings and 13 government consultation responses, promoting health across public policy.
• 54 schools and 442 pupils engaged through programmes supporting healthy transport, active travel and health education.
• 120 community champions and residents directly engaged in work supporting healthier neighbourhoods.
• 36 organisations involved in strategic stakeholder forums, strengthening cross-sector collaboration.
• 17 WHO international engagements, connecting Belfast with learning and expertise from across Europe.

Other highlights included the development of Healthy Transport teaching resources, work addressing transport poverty, Green Health Maps and a Stormont roundtable bringing children together with political representatives and the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People to discuss healthier, greener and more child-friendly places.

Ian Montgomery, Chair of Belfast Healthy Cities Board, said:

“Belfast’s longstanding and active involvement in the WHO Healthy Cities movement is something we should be proud of. It provides opportunities to learn from international exemplars and experience while sharing the diversity of innovative work happening here in our city.

“This report demonstrates the value of strong and meaningful partnerships and the important role Belfast Healthy Cities plays in connecting organisations, influencing policy and keeping health and wellbeing at the heart of decision-making.”

Charlene Brooks, Chief Executive of Belfast Healthy Cities, added:

“Our international links and UK network roles are hugely valuable, but their real impact is in what they help us achieve locally. Whether that’s supporting healthier journeys to school, creating greener neighbourhoods or bringing children’s voices directly to policymakers, our focus is on translating evidence and collaboration into meaningful action.

“With Belfast now designated for WHO Phase VIII, we have an exciting opportunity to build on this work, strengthen our partnerships and continue championing a healthier, fairer and more sustainable city.”

The Annual Impact Report covers the period 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 and is available at www.belfasthealthycities.com.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Belfast Healthy Cities is a WHO-designated Healthy City partnership organisation working to improve health and reduce health inequalities through collaboration, evidence and policy influence. The organisation also provides the Secretariat for the UK Healthy Cities & Towns Network.