News Strengthening Healthy Cities Across the Asia-Pacific: A Recap of the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities Over five inspiring days in Sydney, more than 400 delegates from 30 countries came together for the 11th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities, united by a shared commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable and equitable communities. Co-hosted by Healthy Cities Australia and the UNSW Cities Institute and in partnership with the Alliance For Healthy Cities, the conference provided a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation, bringing together policymakers, researchers, practitioners and community leaders from across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Setting the Scene: Pre-Conference Activities The conference commenced with a range of highly anticipated pre-conference activities that showcased Sydney’s leadership in healthy urban development. Delegates participated in sold-out site visits exploring best-practice initiatives in urban parks, green spaces, active transport, community health and climate-health action. Visits included the GreenWay, Centennial Park, Waterloo and the Randwick Health & Innovation Precinct at UNSW. A Healthy Cities Networks Information and Networking Session brought together representatives from Japan, the Republic of Korea and the Philippines, who shared valuable insights into establishing and sustaining national Healthy Cities networks. The day concluded with a Welcome Reception at the UNSW Health Translation Hub, offering delegates an opportunity to connect, network and experience Australian hospitality before the conference officially began. Day One: Opening Conversations for a Healthier Future The official opening day set an inspiring tone for the conference, grounded in culture, collaboration and shared purpose. Delegates were welcomed with a Traditional Smoking Ceremony on Bidjigal land and an Opening Ceremony that recognised the importance of Indigenous knowledge and leadership in creating healthy communities. Throughout the day, delegates engaged with: The Madjawa Maangi First Nations Exhibition E-poster displays and exhibition booths 13 expert-led workshops Our first Plenary session, ‘The Leaders Forum on Healthy Cities: Featuring Planetary Health’ The Alliance For Healthy Cities and the World Health Organisation’s Awards Ceremonies Discussions explored some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing cities today, highlighting the vital connections between human health, environmental sustainability and urban development. Day Two: Leadership, Partnerships and Collective Impact Day two focused on the power of collaboration and governance in advancing healthy cities. Two thought-provoking Plenary sessions examined how networks can drive collective impact and how political leadership can support wellbeing-focused decision-making: ‘From Local Action to Collective Impact: The Power of Networks’ ‘Politicians’ Roundtable: Governing for Wellbeing – Political Leadership for Healthy Cities’ The day also featured: Four parallel sessions, including a postgraduate student session and an interactive walkshop 12 oral presentations showcasing innovative healthy city initiatives Four lightning talks highlighting emerging ideas and practices A Barangaroo site visit for conference dignitaries The day concluded with a memorable Conference Dinner at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Delegates enjoyed an evening of connection, celebration and culture, hosted by Tim Ross and featured a powerful Traditional Aboriginal performance by the Wambuul Dancers. Day Three: Looking Ahead The final day reinforced the importance of continued collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing across the Healthy Cities movement. Highlights included: Final showing of the Madjawa Maangi First Nations Exhibition, E-posters and exhibition booths Four parallel sessions and a walkshop The workshop ‘From Conference to Journal: Your Work is Worth Sharing’ The final Plenary session examining the impacts of urbanisation on people, places and ecosystems across the Asia-Pacific The conference closed with a heartfelt Closing Ceremony that reflected on four days of learning, partnership and inspiration. Delegates also witnessed the official handover to Kuching, Malaysia, which will host the 12th Global Conference of the Alliance for Healthy Cities. Our fifth and final day featured a memorable site visit to Western Sydney – Blacktown and the Western Sydney Parklands. Building Momentum for the Future The 11th Global Conference demonstrated the growing momentum behind the Healthy Cities movement and the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing today’s complex health, environmental and social challenges. The conference created opportunities to exchange evidence, share innovative practices, strengthen partnerships and explore new ways of creating healthier urban environments for all. Healthy Cities Australia and the UNSW Cities Institute extend their sincere thanks to the Alliance for Healthy Cities, conference manager ARINEX, UNSW, our partners and sponsors, conference co-chairs Kelly Andrews and Jinhee Kim, presenters, speakers, volunteers and delegates whose contributions made the event such a success. Most importantly, thank you to the more than 400 delegates from 30 countries who brought their expertise, passion and commitment to Sydney. Together, we are advancing the vision of healthier, more sustainable and more equitable communities across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Until we meet again in Kuching!