European Healthy Cities Network

Helsinki has been a member of the WHO’s Healthy Cities Network since 2020. The current programming period runs until 2026, and the programme covers approximately 80 cities. In Finland, the network includes Helsinki, Turku and Kuopio.

Members of the network share good practices, promote the practices of their own healthier city and learn from other cities. The network implements the principles of sustainable development and strengthens the promotion of health and wellbeing and the reduction of health and welfare disparities through international cooperation.

Our work towards a healthier city promotes, among other things, the accessibility of green areas, Culture Kids activities, positive action models, memory-friendly Helsinki activities and work for the mental wellbeing of children and young people, and strengthens effective welfare and health promotion operating models.

The work is carried out as joint development work between the divisions, and the responsibility for coordination lies with the City Executive Office’s Strategy Department.