Cities Collaborate to Implement One Health Initiative

Mayors and senior representatives of local authorities from around the world gathered in Lyon today to launch an international coalition of cities committed to implementing the One Health approach at the local level during the One Health Summit hosted by France.

The International Forum of Local Leaders on One Health, co-convened by the WHO as an official partner event of the One Health Summit, brought together about 50 mayors and high-ranking local officials from cities across five continents.

Presentations highlighted the wide range of One Health challenges that cities encounter, covering topics such as urban governance and climate change transition in Lyon and Port Moresby, air quality management in Casablanca, biodiversity-focused governance in Curridabat, and integrated urban health and food systems in Montpellier. Additional insights were shared from cities such as Akonolinga, Apartadó, Paris, Singapore, Marseille, Izmir, Liège, Bouaké, and Lahti. The Forum concluded with a moderated discussion that pinpointed common priorities, challenges, and strategies for collaborative efforts aimed at fostering healthier and more resilient communities.

The flagship outcome of the Forum is the establishment of an international coalition of cities. This coalition, designed to include around 15 cities for an initial three-year period, will enable peer exchanges, foster innovative pilot projects, and generate freely accessible knowledge, tools, and operational indicators.

The Forum also presented the One Health for Cities methodological guide, a practical resource aimed at assisting local and regional authorities in formulating strategies, establishing governance mechanisms, and incorporating equity considerations into their One Health policies.

The Forum is a key initiative of the WHO Academy's Healthy Cities flagship, bringing together mayors, city representatives, and partners globally to showcase concrete local implementation, identify systemic barriers, and advance collective action on One Health in urban contexts.

By co-convening this Forum with partners and WHO technical units, the WHO Academy is actively contributing to bridging global policy commitments with local action, ensuring that cities are equipped, connected, and empowered to implement One Health approaches effectively. To that end, the Forum presented a variety of WHO Academy learning resources, and its conclusions will directly inform the design of a practical learning program for cities and territories.

The event concluded with an official reception hosted by the Mayor of Lyon at Lyon City Hall, providing a platform for dialogue among mayors and institutional partners.

The One Health Summit, organized during the French G7 Presidency and in conjunction with World Health Day, marks the inaugural gathering of its kind. It brings together heads of state and government, international organizations, parliamentarians, scientists, the private sector, civil society, local authorities, and youth to expedite the global implementation of the One Health approach.