MAYORS PROGRAM

Healthy cities are built by local political leadership. National policies and global frameworks matter, but it is mayors and deputy mayors who decide how neighbourhoods are designed, where investment goes and whether health becomes a priority in everyday decisions.

That is why mayors and deputy mayors are at the heart of AFHC 2026. The conference gives attending leaders a platform to demonstrate their political resolve on healthy cities and inspire others across the region to join the movement.

This page outlines what attending mayors and deputy mayors can expect, to help local governments plan their participation.

At a glance

Programs for mayors and deputy mayors run across all conference days. We recommend local governments plan for their mayor or deputy mayor to be in Sydney from Monday evening through Thursday afternoon.

Mayors, high-level politicians and keynote speakers at the Seoul Healthy Cities Conference (Sept 2024). The conference was attended by 1,233 participants, representing 207 cities from 51 countries.

Below is a list of dedicated sessions for attending mayors and deputy mayors, however, mayors and deputy mayors are also welcome to attend other conference sessions throughout the week.

14:00–15:15, Tuesday 1 September 2026 — Clancy Auditorium, UNSW

Join fellow mayors and deputy mayors from across the Asia-Pacific on stage for the Mayors Commitment – a collective pledge reaffirming local government leadership in building healthy, equitable cities. It is the moment the movement’s leadership stands together and speaks with one voice, and a valuable opportunity for your city to be visibly counted among them.

11:00–15:30, Wednesday 2 September 2026 — Sydney CBD

Hosted by the Committee for Sydney

An exclusive program for mayors and deputy mayors built around the kind of leader-to-leader exchange that drives the movement forward. Through site visits and peer dialogue, flagship Sydney initiatives in healthy urban development will be shared, giving mayors the chance to see what works, learn from one another’s cities, and return home with ideas they can act on. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Committee for Sydney. Each mayor or deputy mayor may be joined by one accompanying staff member. Places are limited and registration is essential.

14:15-15:00 | Thursday 3 September 2026 | Leighton Hall, UNSW

Mayors and deputy mayors are invited to take part in the formal close of the conference, including the handover to the next host city, closing remarks and presentation of outcomes.

All mayors and deputy mayors are warmly invited to:

17:00–19:00 | Monday 31 August 2026 | Health Translation Hub, UNSW
Included with registration.

19:00–22:00 | Wednesday 2 September 2026 | Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA).
Tickets [AUD $95 per person], available for purchase during registration.

Mayors and deputy mayors are also welcome to attend other conference sessions throughout the week.

Mayors and deputy mayors register through the dedicated Mayors Registration, which covers the mayor or deputy mayor plus one nominated accompanying staff member (for example, someone attending to provide translation or staff support). under a single standard registration fee. This includes full conference access for both, along with participation in the Opening Ceremony Mayors Commitment, VIP Program, and Welcome Reception. Tickets to the Conference Dinner may be purchased during registration.

Upon registration, attending mayors and deputy mayors will be announced on the conference website.

When registering, you will be asked to provide:

• • • • Your official title and city as they should appear in the conference program
      • A short bio and photograph
      • Any dietary or accessibility requirements
      • The details of your nominated accompanying staff member
      • A staff contact for event logistics

Accompanying staff

One accompanying staff member is included in each Mayors Registration and may attend all conference sessions, the VIP Program, and the Welcome Reception alongside their mayor or deputy mayor. Conference Dinner tickets for both the mayor and accompanying staff may be purchased separately. Additional staff are welcome to attend via standard conference registration.

Speaking opportunities

If your mayor is attending and would like to explore a speaking opportunity, please contact us at afhc2026@arinexgroup.com. We welcome expressions of interest by 17 July 2026.