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Key Takeaways: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Addressing NCD Risk Factors across WHO Southeast Asian Cities

Article, EventsMarch 23, 2026285Views 0Likes 0Comments

Regional Webinar Key Takeaways | Hosted by WHO SEARO & UGHW Chulalongkorn University Overview: A Regional Call to Action Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading cause of mortality in the South-East Asia Region, accounting for nearly 70% of all deaths. Addressing the behavioral and environmental risk factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets,…

Walking trail and landscaped green corridor at Sponge park Chennai India in Porur.

Chennai’s First Wetland Sponge Park

ArticleMarch 2, 2026436Views 0Likes 1Comment

In March 2025, Chennai inaugurated its first wetland sponge park: the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Wetland Eco Park in Porur. The sponge park Chennai India initiative marks a turning point in urban water resilience. What was once a degraded marsh, later used as a dumping ground and asphalt parking lot, has been transformed into a 16.6-acre…

Benjakitti Park in Bangkok designed as urban flood infrastructure with wetlands, retention basins and elevated boardwalks

Bangkok Turned a Former Tobacco Factory into Urban Flood Infrastructure

ArticleFebruary 23, 2026367Views 0Likes 3Comments

Bangkok urban water infrastructure is evolving beyond concrete drainage systems. At Benjakitti Park, a former tobacco factory has been transformed into one of the city’s most significant nature-based water management landscapes. Designed under the concept of “Water + Forest,” the 259-rai forest zone (within the larger 450-rai Benjakitti development) was never intended to be just…

People with and without disabilities participate together in a community physical activity event in a public park.

Inclusive Physical Activity Starts in the Community

ArticleFebruary 16, 2026384Views 0Likes 10Comments

Why Community Sports and Recreation Matter for Persons with Disabilities Community sports and recreation is often seen as optional and not prioritised in health initiatives for the disabled. Yet evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO) tells a different story: physical activity is a cornerstone of health, wellbeing, and social participation for persons with disabilities.…

Illustration of government-led urban transport planning showing inclusive mobility, with public transit, pedestrians, a wheelchair user, and a person using a white cane sharing the same pathway.

Different Paths, Same Goal: How Governments Enable Disability Inclusion through Tech

ArticleJanuary 26, 2026530Views 0Likes 8Comments

Cities around the world are rapidly digitalising. Transport systems are becoming smarter, public services are moving online, and artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in urban life. For persons with disabilities, these shifts can either remove long-standing barriers—or create new forms of exclusion if accessibility is overlooked. Disability-inclusive technology has therefore become a critical issue for…

A South Asian mixed-use city street showing diverse people—including an older adult, a wheelchair user, a child, and other pedestrians—using walkable streets, accessible crossings, and public transport in an inclusive urban environment.

Inclusive and Universal Design for Healthy Cities

ArticleJanuary 19, 2026708Views 0Likes 7Comments

Inclusive and universal design are essential approaches for creating healthy cities that celebrate human diversity, ability, age, and lived experience. Our societies are composed of diverse persons, each unique with distinct identities and perspectives. As we design our cities, it is therefore essential to ask: Who are we designing for? Urban design must begin with the…

Women sitting in urban public space, representing safer cities and gender-responsive urban governance.

She RISES Framework: Creating Safer, Gender-responsive Cities

ArticleDecember 22, 2025648Views 0Likes 8Comments

In 2016, WHO Member States endorsed the Global plan of action to strengthen the role of the health system within a national multisectoral response to address interpersonal violence, in particular against women and girls, and against children. As UGHW renews our commitment during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we review what women’s…

Women and community members using an inclusive public park in Nepal designed with gender-responsive features

How Gender-Responsive Public Spaces Are Transforming Nepal’s Cities for Women

ArticleDecember 17, 20251KViews 0Likes 2Comments

Why do gender-responsive public spaces matter? Nepal's cities are seeing brisk changes, with new climate hazards and rapid urbanisation. These shifts have placed considerable strain on existing infrastructure, alongside growing concerns about accessibility for vulnerable populations. Gender-responsive public spaces play a critical role in ensuring that urban growth supports the safety, health, and daily mobility…

City officials analyzing urban health data for policymaking

How Data Can Improve Your City’s Health

ArticleNovember 24, 2025837Views 0Likes 5Comments

For governments looking to formulate and implement good policy, data is paramount. Data helps us to identify what the issues are, why they exist (or what is causing them) and who are being affected. Without evidence, we are often unable to accurately define an issue. When we formulate solutions, data further supports in showing where…

Runner moving through a sunlit urban underpass, representing finding clear pathways and entry points in complex city systems.

Finding Your City’s Entry Point for Urban Health Action

ArticleNovember 17, 2025922Views 0Likes 4Comments

Urban health can feel overwhelming—but you don't need a complete strategy to start. You need the right entry point. This guide helps city practitioners identify opportunities already present in your city and turn them into real health impact What is an Entry Point? According to Taking a strategic approach to urban health: a guide for…

Skyscrapers connected by digital network icons representing 5G and smart technologies, symbolizing people-centred smart city development in the WHO-SEARO region.

People-Centred Smart Cities: Key insights from WHO-SEARO Healthy Cities Network

ArticleOctober 29, 20251KViews 0Likes 9Comments

Rapid digitalization in the world has propelled national and subnational authorities to accelerate the use of digital technologies to enhance service provision, people participation, and monitoring performances/feedback. Local urban governments are on the forefront to respond to the needs of the people living in cities. However, success in responding to climate changes and other challenges…

design city for youth mental health and well-being

How to Design Cities for Youth Mental Health and Well-being

ArticleOctober 22, 20252KViews 0Likes 0Comments

The Urban Challenge: Why Cities Matter for Youth Mental Health Urbanization stands as the most significant demographic shift of our times. Cities across South and South-East Asia provide access to education, health care, and economic opportunity — yet they also pose risks to mental well-being, especially among young people. Globally, an estimated 75% of mental…

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Key Takeaways: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Addressing NCD Risk Factors across WHO Southeast Asian Cities

Chennai’s First Wetland Sponge Park

Bangkok Turned a Former Tobacco Factory into Urban Flood Infrastructure

Inclusive Physical Activity Starts in the Community

Different Paths, Same Goal: How Governments Enable Disability Inclusion through Tech

Inclusive and Universal Design for Healthy Cities

She RISES Framework: Creating Safer, Gender-responsive Cities

How Gender-Responsive Public Spaces Are Transforming Nepal’s Cities for Women

How Data Can Improve Your City’s Health

Finding Your City’s Entry Point for Urban Health Action

People-Centred Smart Cities: Key insights from WHO-SEARO Healthy Cities Network

How to Design Cities for Youth Mental Health and Well-being

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