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 September 1, 2pm-3:15pm
The Opening Ceremony will feature a keynote speech by Ted Fields, about the Aboriginal cultural health project – Gaawaadhi Gadudha.
- The research aims to show that culture practised on Country improves Indigenous peoples’ physical health and social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. First Nations peoples’ health and wellbeing is improved by simply having access to sacred lands and exposure to ceremonies in healing.
- Culture involves visiting Country, practising ceremony, collecting traditional medicines and other practises that have kept First Nations people healthy for thousands of years.
- Cultural Health can improve an individual's outlook on their overall health, and culture, country and languages can be brought into the clinical care space to support therapy healing.
- Instead of testing an intervention that was developed externally to the participating communities, or ‘co-designed’ with non-Aboriginal people, the Gaawaadhi Gadudha project cultivates culturally governed approaches attuned to Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing.
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.
Thursday 3 September, 1pm-2:15pm
- Rather than searching for a single model of the "healthy city," city leaders, communities, youth and Indigenous voices across the Asia-Pacific region are learning from their own cities and what they can offer one another.
- The session will cover what shared visions for liveable, equitable and ecologically grounded urban futures might look like across such varied settings, and how diverse voices and perspectives can shape them.
- Examples include from Suva City Council in Fiji a pilot program for Urban Health Capacity Assessment Framework developed by WHO in 2024 focusing improving food hygiene and safety for street food vendors.
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