In cities around the world, health can depend on something as simple as a postcode. While some neighbourhoods have safe spaces to be active and access to healthy food, others face barriers that make healthier choices harder. These inequities do not just shape daily life – they shape futures.

Health equity is about changing that story and ensuring everyone has a fair chance to live a healthy life. This City Health Talk will unpack why health equity matters and show how equity can be embedded into policies, programmes and everyday urban life.

Turning principle into practice requires a holistic approach across three interconnected levels: from global frameworks that set direction, to city policies that remove barriers and community initiatives that create impact on the ground.  

We will start with a global perspective from Sudhvir Singh, Unit Head – Equity and Health, World Health Organization (WHO). He will share how international frameworks and strategies can guide cities working to embed equity into policy and practice.

Next, Markus Kalmari, Director of the Sport Department, City of Turku, Finland, will share a city perspective, presenting Turku’s innovative sports voucher programme. This initiative expands access to physical activity and breaks down financial and social barriers for children and adolescents.

Finally, Julia Verguiero, Founder of Nossa Arena, São Paulo, Brazil, will introduce the community perspective to health equity through the Football for Better Health programme. Her presentation will showcase how grassroots initiatives can build safe, inclusive spaces and deliver lasting equity in underserved communities.

Health equity is often treated as an abstract idea. This City Health Talk will move the conversation into practice – highlighting real-world examples from Finland and Brazil, and offering inspiration for how cities everywhere can create healthier, more inclusive environments for all.

• Date: 30 September
• Time: 14.00 – 15.00 (CEST)

Register now here to join the conversation and help shape the future of urban health equity.