We are pleased to announce the five cities selected to take part in the first edition of the Healthy Cities Programme, starting in January 2026.
Following the call launched on World Health Day last month, cities from different geographies applied to participate in this new programme, which supports municipalities in exploring the relationship between the urban environment and public health, and in identifying practical priorities for healthier urban development.
The selected cities
The following cities have been selected for the 2026 cohort:
- Apartadó (Colombia)
- Lancaster (United Kingdom)
- Liverpool (United Kingdom)
- Madrid (Spain)
- Wollongong (Australia), via Healthy Cities Australia
What the programme offers
Each selected city will receive a free Urban Health Quick Scan, delivered with the support of the Healthy Cities team and powered by our innovative tool, the Healthy Cities Generator. The programme includes:
- Access to the professional features of the Healthy Cities Generator
- A structured assessment to identify vulnerabilities and priorities linked to urban health
- Actionable insights to help shape healthier urban development and support citizens’ wellbeing
- The opportunity to become a pilot city featured as a reference in urban health
- Visibility opportunities, including participation in a webinar to share results and lessons learned
The Quick Scan is designed to establish a baseline, highlight priority areas for action, and support cities in understanding the potential health and wellbeing benefits of targeted interventions.
What happens next
The programme will kick off in mid-January 2026, starting with an initial meeting with each selected city, followed by the delivery of the Quick Scan and a structured feedback moment to strengthen future editions.
We would like to thank all cities that submitted an expression of interest. The quality of applications and the ambition shown by participating municipalities confirm a growing momentum: placing health at the centre of urban planning is becoming an essential part of building resilient and liveable cities.
More updates will follow as the programme progresses.
