A Network of Healthy Cities in Asia and the Pacific: The Alliance for Healthy Cities

Abstract

The Alliance for Healthy Cities is an international network of cities and organizations aiming at protecting and enhancing the health of city dwellers. It was founded by following the global movement of Healthy Cities and scaling up this movement in the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization. To cope with the adverse effects of an urban environment on health, the network encourages information sharing within cities and between cities, both nationally and internationally. This network emphasizes learning from diversity; city-to-city exchanges; exchanges of experiences in various sectors/levels; sharing practical procedures; learning from communities; recognition of, and learning from, good practices and progress; sharing evidence based on actual practices and scientific evaluation; linking global and local agendas; and international activities to expand capacities in local settings. Evaluation by the members of this network was carried out to identify progress in cities, the advantages of being part of a network, measures to strengthen Healthy Cities initiatives, and areas for research by taking advantage of a network of Healthy Cities. Activities of the network have expanded the interests of various stakeholders at the local, national, and international levels, and have involved government, academic, community, and private sectors.