The INTA secretariat provides leadership and support to advance knowledge exchange and capacity sharing.
The Rise of Urban Health Issues Worldwide
By 2050, an estimated 70% of the world’s population will live in cities, with over 90% of this growth occurring in low and middle-income countries. The fastest-growing cities are those with populations around 250,000. As urbanization continues to increase, health has become a core issue of the 21st century, addressed by world wide organizations as well, influenced by a series of various major societal challenges.
The Challenges
Rapid urbanization worldwide presents new challenges, including:
- Reducing social and spatial inequalities in access to health
- Preparing urban actors to respond to emerging urban health risks
- Adapting urban settings to the digital transition in the health sector
- Improving environmental health to reduce chronic diseases linked to polluted urban environments
- Enhancing access to green areas, healthy foods, clean water, affordable housing and sanitation
- Responding to the demand for residents to fully participate in improving their living conditions and well-being
A holistic approach to Urban Health: Key themes
Facing global trends like population aging and massive urbanization, INTA’s role becomes increasingly significant as a promoter of solutions to urban health and health inequities. We build strategic partnerships to drive evidence-based action, inform policy changes, and solve urban health challenges. We share innovative practices and learning to achieve healthy and sustainable urban environments and network with key thought leaders concerned about urban health.
We introduce a series of key themes rooted in the Future of Urban Health Culture, https://juulfrost.dk/en/project/urban-health-culture-future, which will serve as the foundation for seminars, virtual meetings, in-person interviews, panels, and masterclasses. Local ambassadors will influence and bring urban health to the forefront of the agenda.
- Research and development: We transfer the knowledge behind urban health into practice, policy, and local programs to improve quality of life in urban settings.
- Capacity Sharing: We deepen cross-sector collaboration at multilateral, national, and city levels to foster research, policies, and practical solutions addressing the broad determinants of environmental health. We use urban platforms to test and scale evidence-based applications that improve urban health and reduce health inequities.
- Networking: We disseminate knowledge, skills, and experiences through various “meetings of the mind” and diverse publications.
How to engage Communities and Places in a New Urban Health Culture
Strategy for Urban Health Culture at INTA 2024-2026
VISION
To create healthy, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments that enhance the well-being and quality of life for all residents.
MISSION
To integrate health considerations into urban planning and development processes through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative practices, and evidence-based approaches.
OBJECTIVES
Strengthen the Integration of Health in Urban Planning
Collaborate with local health and urban stakeholders.
Incorporate health-promoting elements into urban master plans.
Build coalitions of health advocates to elevate the health content of urban plans.
Promote Environmental Health
Address environmental determinants of health.
Improve urban environments to reduce pollution and chronic diseases.
Leverage Data and Technology
Utilize reliable and credible data to assess health status and trends.
Promote technological innovations that enhance urban health services.
Build Capacity and Knowledge Sharing
Provide training and education for urban health leaders and practitioners.
Share best practices and innovative solutions through conferences and publications.
Foster cross-sector collaboration at local, national, and international levels.
Advocate for Policy Change
Promote policies that prioritize health in urban development.
Engage with policymakers to implement health-supportive regulations.
Advocate for equitable access to health services and resources.
STRATEGIC ACTIONS
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Establish partnerships with universities, research institutions, and NGOs.
Facilitate interdisciplinary working groups on urban health.
- Innovative Urban Design
Promote designs that encourage physical activity, social interaction, and mental well-being.
Support the creation of green spaces, walkable areas, and safe public spaces.
- Health Impact Assessments
Integrate health impact assessments into urban planning processes.
Evaluate the health implications of new developments and policies.
- Knowledge Dissemination
Organize international conferences, webinars, and workshops on urban health.
Publish research findings, case studies, and policy briefs on urban health initiatives.
IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK
- Governance and Leadership
Establish an Urban Health Culture Steering Committee within INTA.
Designate Urban Health Ambassadors in key regions to lead initiatives.
- Resource Mobilization
Secure funding through grants, partnerships, and corporate sponsorships.
- Communication and Advocacy
Develop a communication strategy to raise awareness about urban health issues.
Engage media, influencers, and stakeholders to promote urban health culture.
OUTCOMES
- Improved urban health indicators and reduced health disparities.
- Increased community engagement and participation in health initiatives.
- Enhanced capacity of urban health professionals and leaders.
- Adoption of health-supportive policies and practices in urban planning.
- Creation of healthier, more livable, and resilient urban environments.
Conclusion
By implementing this strategy, INTA aims to foster a culture of health in urban environments, addressing the complex challenges of urbanization and improving the quality of life for urban residents worldwide. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, INTA will lead the way in promoting healthy and sustainable urban development.