Healthy urban planning : report on a WHO seminar, Milan, Italy 17-18 October 1999

Abstract

The practice of urban planning has a strong relationship to health. Healthy urban planning is a core aim of phase III of the Healthy Cities project (‎1998-2002)‎. A WHO seminar marked the beginning of an initiative to develop and promote work in this area. It was attended by 47 participants, including urban planners from 16 cities across Europe. The aims of the seminar were to debate the concept and practice of healthy urban planning, and to discuss the development of tools and guidance, a draft document prepared by WHO, strategies for developing close working links between urban planners and the Healthy Cities project, and ways to take forward this new area of work. The seminar participants recommended that WHO invite cities to be part of a city action group on healthy urban planning, and stressed the importance of political commitment to healthy urban planning and participating cities' developing links at national and European levels. The participants also welcomed the draft document, and identified further tools that would complement it