Healthy cities

Abstract

In this chapter the origins of the WHO Healthy Cities Project are described, beginning with the project group meeting in Copenhagen. The early days of the project are reported together with an account of how the project developed from small beginnings to become a global movement with political leadership from the city level. The achievements of the project are reported together with issues raised in creating a new dynamic for urban health. The chapter concludes with the latest phase of the project beginning in 2018, which saw Healthy Cities aligned to the pursuit of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.