UNSW to host global summit on the future of healthier cities
UNSW Sydney
• Where we live is shaping our health – from the homes we inhabit to the air we breathe
• Global leaders to examine how housing, transport & urban planning can improve population health
• Summit aims to accelerate action as cities confront urbanisation and climate change
More than 30 leaders from international cities will convene at UNSW Sydney for a global conference focused on creating healthier, more sustainable and equitable urban centres.
UNSW Cities Institute with Healthy Cities Australia will host the 11th Global Conference for the Alliance of Healthy Cities(AFHC), from 1 - 3 September at the UNSW Kensington Campus.
The conference will examine what creates a healthier city including public health, urban planning, transport, housing, environment and policy.
The event will include expert recommendations from government ministers, city mayors, World Health Organization representatives and over 500 policymakers from across the globe.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said UNSW was proud to host the global event, which is focused on advancing evidence-informed action for healthier, more sustainable and equitable urban environments.
“Hosting AFHC 2026 at UNSW Sydney reflects what we are striving to achieve through our Progress for All Strategy – bringing people together to tackle complex challenges and create positive societal impact at scale,” Prof. Brungs said.
“The theme, Healthy Cities for All, speaks directly to our ambition to improve lives through education, innovative research and meaningful partnerships. By connecting global researchers, practitioners, policymakers and communities, this event provides an important opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another and turn knowledge into action that can help create healthier, more equitable communities.”
UNSW Cities Institute Scientia Senior Lecturer and Conference Co-chair, Dr Jinhee Kim, said: “One city can only go so far. If all cities can join together, we can create greater momentum for positive change,” says Dr Kim.
“Urbanisation is one of the defining forces of our time and there's no moving away from it. The decisions we make to build healthier cities affect not just our individual health but the health of the planet itself.”
The event is part of the World Health Organization (WHO) healthy cities movement – a global social movement championing people, places, planet, participation, peace, and prosperity.
Highlighted program items:
Tuesday 1 September 10am-11:15am
Workshop: Switch The Salt: How Cities Can Reduce Hypertension at Scale Through Potassium-Enriched Salt.
This workshop explores how switching salt at scale can avert 3 million deaths per year and prevent 10 million cases of disease including heart attacks and strokes.
- Cities can switch from regular salt to potassium-enriched salt as a practical, city-wide strategy to reduce hypertension and cardiovascular disease. If a switch to potassium-enriched salt is adopted, clinical trials and modelling studies suggest this could avert around 3 million cardiovascular deaths each year and prevent 10 million non-fatal cases of heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
- By shifting the type of salt used across schools, hospitals, public institutions and food service settings, cities can improve diets across entire populations without requiring individual behaviour change.
Wednesday 2 September 4pm-5:15pm
This roundtable brings together state and local government leaders to explore how policy, planning and governance can address the social, environmental and commercial determinants of health.
Convened by Kelly Andrews, CEO, Healthy Cities Australia, the discussion will feature:
- The Hon. John Graham MP
- The Hon. Paul Scully MP
- Cr Sarah Ndiaye, Mayor of Byron Shire
Panellists will share insights on the leadership required to navigate rapid urban growth, invest in community infrastructure and commit to public policy that promotes health across all stages of life.
About us:
About UNSW Sydney
UNSW recently ranked 1st in Australia and 19th globally in the 2027 QS World University Rankings - a proud reflection of excellence in research, teaching and positive societal impact. For more than 75 years, UNSW has driven progress through bold research, inclusive education and collaboration with communities and industries.
UNSW Cities Institute
The UNSW Cities Institute brings together world class research, education and advocacy to create environments in cities and regional communities that promote health, wellbeing and equity using evidence-based approaches in the Asia Pacific region.
Healthy Cities Australia
Healthy Cities champions the WHO’s Healthy Cities initiative in Australia to build healthier, happier communities, ensuring a better future for generations to come.
Contact details:
For interview requests and media passes please contact:
Emma Brown, +61 400 922 986