Innovation challenges

In April we launched the Healthy Cities Challenge as a collaboration between Cities for Better Health and C40 Cities. Through this global call, we aim to identify and support three innovative and ready-to-implement ideas that improve community health, boost climate resilience, and promote social cohesion in urban settings. We received 90 strong proposals from 33 countries around the world. 10 finalists have now been selected to progress to the next round of the challenge and will pitch their proposals to an expert selection panel in September. 

The global rise in chronic diseases is largely driven by a change in the environments we live in, notably lacking supportive factors for good health and well-being.

Cities are facing a climate and health inequity crisis due to outdated planning models, leading to fragmented food systems, polluted air, sedentary lifestyles, and poor access to nature, as well as lack of services, amenities and social cohesion, which all contribute to driving the global increase in chronic diseases.

Neighbourhood food environments heavily influence dietary habits for urban residents, while urban spaces impact physical activity levels. Transforming these environments to promote health and equipping individuals with the necessary skills and resources are key to promoting healthy lifestyles.

Unhealthy environments disproportionately impact underserved and marginalised populations, facing limited access to nutritious foods and opportunities for physical activity. Socioeconomic disparities exacerbate these challenges, underscoring the need for societal action to create inclusive, supportive environments for all to lead healthy lives.

Through the Healthy Cities Challenge, we support locally developed solutions that address these complex challenges.