The World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region today recognized eight cities in Asia for their outstanding contributions to urban health. The WHO Healthy Cities Recognition 2024 awards were presented at the 10th Global Congress of the Healthy Cities Alliance, which is being held this week in Seoul, South Korea, under the theme “Smarter Healthier Cities for a Better Future”.
“Urbanization is not just a challenge, it’s an opportunity,” said Dr Siah Mau Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “More than half the world’s population now lives in cities, and we have a responsibility to ensure that urban spaces are designed to promote health, equity and well-being for all. The cities we honor today are demonstrating that through innovation, collaboration and strategic governance, we can build a healthier future for future generations.”
Winners and their initiatives
This year’s awards were presented to cities in Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Singapore that have made outstanding achievements in promoting health and well-being across eight categories.
“A safe, sustainable and health-conscious transport system”: Owariasahi city, Japan. Owariasahi city has significantly reduced the number of road fatalities through a comprehensive approach to road safety, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities. The city’s green and user-friendly transport system is a good example of how urban transport can promote the health and safety of all residents.
“A Tobacco-Free City for Future Generations”: Carmona City, Cavite, Philippines. Carmona City’s tobacco control measures focus on protecting children and youth and go beyond local regulations to create a tobacco-free environment. The city’s strategic approach includes community engagement to protect future generations from the harmful effects of tobacco.
“Age-Friendly City: Building Intergenerational Bridges for a Healthier Tomorrow”: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea. Seoul’s “Supporting Healthy Aging” initiative focuses on building bridges between generations through intergenerational activities that promote mutual support between younger and older residents. Run by the Seoul Metropolitan Government Health and Aging Center, the program has become a model for how cities can adapt to the challenges of an aging society through collaboration, innovation and inclusiveness.
“Let’s be active!”: Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Songpa-gu has promoted active living through a public bike-sharing system and the development of 21 km of walking and running trails and 15 km of bike paths. These efforts have particularly benefited the visually impaired and elderly. The “G-EYE” app provides barrier-free navigation, including voice signals and location-based assistance, enabling the visually impaired to walk safely and independently. For the elderly, 35 shelters, 305 benches and accessible exercise equipment have been installed to provide comfortable rest areas and encourage physical activity. These efforts have increased walking and cycling rates, highlighting the importance of accessibility and equity in urban transportation planning.
“Community Engagement to Promote Health Equity”: Dong-gu, Gwangju, South Korea. Dong-gu’s community-led approach to health equity addresses both housing and urban development, creating policies that reflect the voices of local residents. The project empowers the community to be involved in decision-making processes that directly affect their living conditions, enhancing health equity.
“Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability for Urban Health”: Chungju, South Korea. Chungju’s ecological parks and carbon sinks provide green space for physical activity and contribute significantly to climate resilience. Combined with education programs and long-term budget planning, these efforts represent a sustainable model for other cities facing environmental health challenges.
“Protecting the Community from Alcohol-Related Harm”: Dobong-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Dobong-gu implemented a comprehensive alcohol reduction strategy with a particular focus on women, resulting in a measurable reduction in excessive drinking and alcohol-related health problems. By engaging various sectors to support recovery and treatment for alcohol use disorders, the district is addressing an important public health issue.
“Transforming the Food Environment for Healthy Diets and Optimal Nutrition”: Singapore. Singapore’s front-of-pack labeling system and advertising ban on unhealthy beverages have helped consumers make healthier choices. These government initiatives have also driven the beverage industry to refine their products, demonstrating how city actions can help improve the food environment and improve public health.
“WHO Regional Director’s Special Award”: Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Pasig City, located in the National Capital Region of the Philippines, received the WHO Regional Director’s Special Award this year in recognition of its long-standing achievements in implementing Healthy Cities activities and promoting initiatives both domestically and internationally. As an active member of the Healthy Cities Coalition, Pasig City continues to play a key role in promoting Healthy Cities in the country.
Pasig City is one of the early adopters of the WHO’s Urban Governance for Health and Well-being initiative, which supports local efforts to promote good governance for health. Driven by a participatory and multi-sectoral approach, the city’s community engagement efforts aim to improve the health and well-being of its residents.
Through innovative initiatives, Pasig City has created a healthier and more sustainable environment, establishing a benchmark for other cities to follow and inspiring similar efforts across the country. By implementing greening projects, reforestation of the Marikina Watershed, installing bike lanes and a bike-sharing program, the city has improved climate resilience and urban mobility. Programs such as the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Academy empower local organizations through capacity building focused on health and social issues, while the city’s skills development and livelihood training programs enhance the economic and social well-being of residents.
Speaking at the 10th Global Congress of the Alliance for Healthy Cities in Seoul, Dr Susan Mercado, WHO Regional Programme Management Director for the Western Pacific Region, emphasised that “cities are our hope for immediate action. At a time when changes in climate, conflict and epidemics threaten lives, cities are our hope for innovation. Cities are catalysts for human health and well-being, and cities in the Western Pacific need to be safe havens in a changing global context.”
Urbanization as a catalyst for health and well-being
More than half (58%) of the Western Pacific region’s population – approximately 1.1 billion people – currently live in urban areas. Rapid urbanization poses both opportunities and challenges for public health. By adopting sustainable urban policies, cities can promote health, provide equitable access and protect their residents, while putting health equity at the forefront of urban development.
“Urbanization isn’t just about building cities, it’s about building the future,” added Dr. Mercado. “By harnessing the power of urbanization, we can transform cities into engines of health and well-being, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world.”
Smarter, Healthier Cities for All
The WHO Healthy Cities Awards highlight the transformative potential of urban environments in promoting health and well-being. By prioritizing health equity, sustainability and innovation, awarded cities are leading the way to a future where urbanization drives positive change, creating healthier, more inclusive communities.
“As cities continue to grow, we must ensure that no one is left behind,” Dr. Piukala stressed, noting that it is important to ensure inclusivity and access to health for all. “Healthy cities are for everyone. We need to provide every citizen, regardless of their background or situation, the opportunity to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.”
WHO remains committed to building healthier, more resilient and sustainable cities for the future. Urbanization represents a unique opportunity to improve people’s well-being, and the Healthy Cities Coalition has proven that change is possible. Through collective action, cities can become smarter, healthier and more inclusive, ensuring a safer and healthier world for future generations.
Since 2004, the WHO Healthy Cities Awards has provided a platform for cities to showcase best practice in areas such as healthy ageing, urban mobility, health equity, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, tobacco and alcohol control, healthy diets and health-promoting societies. This year’s winners demonstrate how the Healthy Cities approach and urbanization can be harnessed as a positive force for health, security and sustainable development.
