Finnish Healthy Cities Network

The Finnish Healthy Cities Network was established in 1996 to support the promotion of health and wellbeing in municipalities. The network is coordinated by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and brings together municipalities in which the promotion of health and wellbeing is a key strategic policy and guiding principle.

Goals of the Finnish Health Cities Network

The Finnish Healthy Cities Network develops operating methods and structures for promoting health and wellbeing in Finland and promotes the sector internationally as part of the WHO European Healthy Cities network.

Main themes for the period 2021-2025 are to support municipalities in

integrating the promotion of wellbeing, health and safety into municipal strategies and strategic management, in particular from the perspective of sustainable development
strengthening the economy of wellbeing approach in municipalities
cooperation and interfaces between municipalities and future wellbeing services counties as the implementation of social reform progresses
co-operation with organizations and the utilization of information, as well as in other topical themes
the implementation of THL's online schools and good training practices.

Support and co-development

The Finnish Healthy Cities Network

organizes annual networking and open seminars on well-being and health promotion, as well as video conferencing to support peer learning
develops, pilotes and disseminates practices and methods on well-being and health promotion
collaborates with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and other relevant stakeholders
collaborates internationally with the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.