What is the UK Healthy Cities and Towns Network?
Established in 2009, we work with cities and towns across the UK to deliver the WHO European Healthy Cities Network framework to put health high on the political and social agenda of cities and towns.
The network fully aligns with the Second European Programme of Work, positioning cities and towns to put health on political and social agendas and build a strong movement for public health at a local level.
Currently in Phase VIII (2026-2030), priority themes for the UK Network include:
• Commercial Determinants of Health
• Climate, place and health
• Health in All Policies
• Prepare – health, civic and climate emergencies
Why is the UK Healthy cities and towns network Important?
For almost 40 years, since the adoption of the Ottawa Charter, the WHO Healthy Cities Network has provided leadership to ensure the determinants of health are key priorities within health policy and on political agendas. The Healthy Cities approach works in collaboration across public, private, voluntary and community sector organisations. This way of working and thinking includes involving local people in decision-making, requires political commitment and recognises the process to be as important as the outcomes.
Belfast’s Role as Secretariat
Belfast Healthy Cities was appointed as Secretariat in April 2025, reflecting it’s longstanding leadership within the WHO European Healthy Cities movement. We are an active member of the Network since its foundation in 1988, with over 35 years of experience tackling health inequalities, championing healthy public policy, and building healthier places.
Become a Member of UKHCTN
For more information on the UK Healthy Cities and Towns Network membership application, contact Anne McCusker at ukhcn@belfasthealthycities.com
“Liverpool is proud to be a founding member of the World Health Organization’s Healthy Cities Network, a commitment that dates back to 1987. As one of the original pilot cities, we have consistently championed a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach – placing health, equity, and wellbeing at the heart of our local governance and urban planning. We are delighted to work closely with Belfast and other members of the UK Network to continue this important work.”
Professor Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health, Liverpool City Council
Political Leadership for Health
The WHO European Healthy Cities Network was launched at the peak of the new public health movement in the 1980s.
It was highly attractive to local political leaders, inspiring a wide range of new actors, and spread quickly, eventually becoming a thriving global movement that caught the imagination of thousands of city leaders and professionals concerned with urban health and sustainable development.
Today, the Healthy Cities movement is more relevant than ever before. Most global public health, social and environmental challenges – and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals – requires local action and strong local leadership. The Covid-19 pandemic has also shown the enormous relevance of action at the community level, especially regarding the needs of the most vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people.
This publication is aimed at decision-makers and professionals. It contains essential facts and advice on launching, leading and implementing Healthy Cities initiatives.
Access the document here.
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