PROGRAM

Exploring how Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems can guide urban planning strategies rooted in respect for land, culture, and community. This perspective fosters holistic approaches that strengthen social and environmental resilience.
Key Topics:
● Connecting with Country and place-based health approaches
● Indigenous health and culturally responsive urban design
● Traditional ecological knowledge in contemporary urban planning
● Community-led and Indigenous-governed healthy cities initiatives
● Cultural safety and inclusivity in urban spaces
● Indigenous urbanisation experiences across Asia-Pacific
● Preserving cultural heritage in rapidly developing cities

Addressing the complexities of growing urban populations while ensuring liveability, access to green spaces, and community well-being. Innovative design and policy solutions are key to balancing density with quality of life.
Key Topics:
• Creating liveable high-density environments for children and families
• Liveable, healthy high-density models and design innovations
• Social housing, affordable housing, and informal settlement upgrading
• Equity and diverse communities in growing urban regions
• Developer, local council, and community partnerships
• Play spaces, green spaces, and nature access in dense environments
• Peri-urban development and migration challenges
• Social connection and community building in high-density settings

Examining models for sustainable funding and governance that enable equitable health outcomes in urban settings, while highlighting the critical role of local governments and communities in translating global health commitments into practical urban action. Cities are the frontline for implementing policies that drive real change.
Key Topics:
● Financing mechanisms and business cases for healthy cities
● Transition to wellbeing economy
● Health in All Policies and cross-sector governance frameworks
● Mayors’ commitments, political leadership, and advocacy
● Strengthening local government capacity for health promotion
● Community engagement and participatory governance
● Evidence-based policy implementation and evaluation
● Regional and global networking for knowledge exchange

Designing cities that adapt to climate change and environmental challenges while protecting planetary health for current and future generations. This approach integrates sustainability, resilience, and ecological stewardship into urban planning.
Key Topics:
● Climate-resilient health systems and disaster preparedness
● Heat mitigation, cooling strategies, and urban heat islands
● Air quality, pollution reduction, and healthy environments
● Green infrastructure and planetary health perspectives in urban design
● Waste management, circular economy, and resource efficiency
● Water security and sustainable water management
● Low-carbon cities and renewable energy transitions
● Urban biodiversity and One Health
● Climate justice and equity in adaptation strategies

Supporting the health and wellbeing of all generations through urban design and policy that responds to diverse needs from early childhood through to older age. This approach integrates accessibility, inclusivity, and intergenerational connection into urban planning.
Key Topics:
● Age-friendly cities and designing for healthy ageing
● Maternal, child, and adolescent health in urban environments
● Early childhood development, play, and child-friendly cities
● Accessible transport and mobility for all ages and abilities
● Mental health, social inclusion, and combating loneliness
● Healthy workplaces and employment conditions
● Addressing health inequities across the life course
● Dementia-friendly and disability-inclusive urban design