1 - 3 September 2026 | Sydney, Australia
The Global Conference for the Alliance of Healthy Cities Commences in...
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the Bedegal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this event will be held. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We honour their enduring connection to Country, culture, and community, and recognise their ongoing contributions to these lands and waters.
Welcome to the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities – AFHC2026
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Conference Organising Committee, we invite you to the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities taking place 1–3 September 2026 in Sydney, Australia in conjunction with the UNSW Cities Institute and Healthy Cities Australia.
AFHC 2026 will bring together more than 30 Asia-Pacific mayors, the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office, alongside regional policymakers, practitioners, academics, and urban health leaders from across the region. Together, participants will advance urban health policy and strengthen collaboration among city governments to address shared challenges and opportunities.
The conference is grounded in the WHO Healthy Cities movement, a global social movement that calls on city leaders to place people, places, planet, participation, peace, and prosperity at the heart of urban policymaking. These values align closely with UNSW’s Societal Impact Goals and highlight the evolving role of strong academia–government partnerships in shaping healthier, more equitable cities.
AFHC 2026 will provide a dynamic platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and fostering cross-sector collaboration through plenary sessions, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies. The conference will inspire practical action toward healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive urban environments.
With Seoul Metropolitan Government as current Chair City (2024-2026) and Kiama Council chairing the Steering Committee (2024-2028), both UNSW Cities Institute and Healthy Cities Australia are strategically positioned as Associate Members, with UNSW holding Academic Committee representation and Healthy Cities Australia serving as Non-Government Organisation representatives on the Steering Committee, to host this influential gathering.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sydney for AFHC 2026 and to shaping the future of healthy cities—together.
Dr Jinhee Kim, UNSW Cities Institute (Co-chair)
Ms Kelly Andrews, Healthy Cities Australia (Co-chair)
Cr Melinda Lawton, Kiama Council, Chair of AFHC Steering Committee
Prof Keiko Nakamura, Secretariat, AFHC
Dr Isabel Espinosa, Technical Officer, WHO-WPRO
Prof Hoon Han, Director, UNSW Cities Institute
