United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat (Organizer)

World Health Organization, City of New York, Permanent Mission of Kenya, China Urban Planning Society, Permanent Mission of Slovak Republic (co-organizations)

As Member States review strategies to bolster local action to accelerate Agenda 2030 in an era of COVID19, they must consider the relationship between urban form and health. Some predict a withdraw from cities. Others note prior public health crises have brought about improved sanitation, streets and public spaces, and cities will continue to adapt and thrive. Underlying such thinking are assumptions about density and disease. Research shows the relationship is not direct: also important are income, health care, public space, and sanitation. The event will enable urban planners and health professionals unpack these issues to bolster local action.