The knowledge exchange brought together city leaders, health experts and community partners to share best practices, tackle challenges and explore solutions for strengthening sustainable financing for local health solutions.

Participants examined critical questions, exploring how to mobilise hard-to-reach population groups, the best methods to measure and evaluate programme impact, and the role sustainable funding models play in accelerating prevention efforts.

Site visits to Copenhagen and Malmö included tours of innovative local approaches to community health. In Tingbjerg, a collaboration with the Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen showcased locally tailored interventions improving health and social cohesion. In the Rosengård district of Malmö, attendees observed a social investment pilot uniting the City of Malmö, FC Rosengård and Novo Nordisk to promote health equity through inclusive physical activity, education and career-building programmes.

The event also highlighted insights from the Danish Social Investment Fund, offering examples of successful sustainable financing models. By blending funding innovations with evidence-based practices, cities can enhance the longevity and impact of their obesity prevention efforts.

This knowledge exchange exemplifies the mission of Cities for Better Health: fostering collaboration between cities to address shared health challenges. The outcomes of this initiative reaffirm the value of collective learning and partnership in building healthier communities.