28 March 2025 —
The first World Health Organization (WHO) Award Ceremony for Healthy Cities in the WHO South-East Asia Region was conducted virtually on 28th March 2025, bringing together over 120 representatives and partners to recognize the exceptional efforts of 23 cities in advancing health, equity, and urban resilience.
On this occasion, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Saima Wazed conferred Awards to ten cities which have been on the forefront of the Healthy City Network initiative. Following a video showcase of inspiring milestones from the award-winning cities, the respective city mayors, governors and representatives shared brief but heartfelt statements of appreciation, highlighting the collaborative efforts that made their achievements possible. A dialogue between the Regional Director and city leaders followed, focusing on strengthening local-national cooperation and enhancing preparedness for related health threats.
During the dialogue, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Saima Wazed underscored the importance of local leadership and innovation in shaping healthier, more equitable communities in the face of growing public health challenges. Awarded cities – Addu in the Maldives, Badulla Municipal Council in Sri Lanka, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in Thailand, Bansuan Municipality in Thailand, Dhulikhel Municipality in Nepal, Klong Chaun Municipality in Thailand, Makassar city in Indonesia, Pune Municipal Corporation in India, Sadao Municipality in Thailand, Wajo Regency in Indonesia – participated actively, highlighting recent efforts and innovations to advance health and well-being.
Affiliated cities were also recognised for their continued commitment and advancement of the Healthy City initiative in the region. These cities include Khulna in Bangladesh; Thimphu in Bhutan; Cilegon, Madiun, Surabaya and Semarang in Indonesia; Chandragiri, Dharan and Lalitpur in Nepal, alongside Jaffna and Kandy from Sri Lanka as well as Banchiewlarn and Kalasin from Thailand.
This award conferred every 2 years reaffirms WHO’s commitment to Healthy Cities in the region and highlights the importance of advancing health in cities populations in urban areas continue to grow exponentially.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, closing a vibrant and hopeful gathering committed to building cities that are inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of our network cities. “I am delighted to see the strong commitment from governors and mayors, to local administrations, health officials, NGOs, and – of course – the residents themselves. Today, we’re not just recognizing your work – we’re amplifying it, to create healthier and more vibrant cities where everyone can thrive,” concluded the Regional Director.
