The aim of the Healthy Cities Finland initiative, coordinated by THL, is to strengthen municipalities’ capacity to promote population well-being, health, and participation in a comprehensive manner. The initiative develops and disseminates strategic management, effective best practices that support prevention, reduce inequalities in well-being, and enhance residents’ active daily living.
Development and research work are based on data, municipal needs, and multi-sectoral collaboration within networks. The activities emphasize participatory methods, impact evaluation, and the sharing and embedding of best practices into permanent municipal activities.
Objectives
The key objectives of the Healthy Cities Finland are:
- strengthening structures and leadership for promoting well-being and health in municipalities
- developing effective preventive services and best practices for health promotion
- increasing residents’ participation and opportunities to influence their own well-being
- reducing inequalities in well-being and health between population groups
- supporting collaboration between municipalities and wellbeing services counties
- promoting knowledge-based management and impact evaluation as part of municipal leadership.
The objectives are aligned with Phase VIII of the WHO Healthy Cities programme (2026–2030) and the UN Agenda 2030.
The activities are particularly aimed at:
- municipal officials and decision-makers
- actors in wellbeing services counties
- NGOs and community organizations
- residents, especially vulnerable groups.
Special attention is given to population groups at higher risk of poorer well-being or limited participation.
Implementation
Healthy Cities Finland is implemented broadly in cooperation with THL experts and collaborative networks in which municipalities, research organizations, and other actors jointly develop and evaluate solutions.
The activities include:
- municipalities and regions (a total of 58 member organizations from across Finland)
- meetings, development workshops, and co-creation processes
- a research and evaluation component
- communication to disseminate and scaling of results
- opportunities to participate in theme groups and events organized by WHO
- annual network days.
More information about the initiative and membership criteria is available on Innokylä (in finnish)
Explore the event summary on Innokylä (in finnish)
Funding
THL and the co-funding contributions of participating organizations.
Partners
- Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM)
- Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities
- Hyvil (in finnish)
- SOSTE Finnish Social and Health Association
- WHO European Healthy Cities
- other stakeholders, such as Motiva and networks for sustainable municipal development.
Contact details
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