Wellington To Host First-Ever Urban Health Conference In Oceania — Government Roundtable Opens To The Public

Wellington, New Zealand – 17–21 November 2025 — Nearly 350 urban health leaders, representing  more than 60 countries, will gather in Wellington for the 21st International Conference on Urban  Health (ICUH 2025) — the first time the global event is held in New Zealand and the Oceania region. 

Over 160 sessions, including plenaries, panels, workshops, research presentations, site visits, and  a legacy food-systems project with Wellington City Council, will explore how cities can become  more equitable, sustainable and resilient in the face of climate change, population growth and  rising health inequities. 

One highlight is a Government Roundtable bringing together sitting Members of Parliament, senior  city officials, and public-sector leaders to discuss how cross-party and cross-sector collaboration  can strengthen urban health across Aotearoa. 

For the first time ever, this session will be free and open to the New Zealand public. 

A Global Line-Up in Aotearoa 

ICUH 2025 features leading voices from Indigenous communities, research institutions, health  agencies, and local and national government. Speakers and delegates include senior  representatives from global organisations, public-health agencies, academia, community  organisations, and municipal governments from around the world. 

A full list of plenary speakers is available at: https://www.icuh2025.org/speakers

Wellington as a Centre of Urban Health Innovation 

Beyond the core programme, ICUH 2025 offers site visits, city tours, and thematic sessions  highlighting Wellington’s leadership in climate resilience, community health & wellbeing, active  transport, indigenous biodiversity restoration, food systems planning and Indigenous knowledge systems.  

Participants will explore urban health through the lens of Te Ao Māori and Pacific perspectives,  reflecting ISUH’s mission to integrate multiple knowledge systems in shaping healthier cities. 

Key Themes for ICUH 2025 

1. Healthy Built Environments: Climate-resilient, equitable city design 

2. Nourishing Landscapes: Nature, food systems and community wellbeing 3. Place Matters: Cultural, local and community-driven approaches 

4. Lifelong Wellness: Supporting health & wellbeing across all ages and abilities 5. Indigenous Solutions: Rights-based and community-led approaches to health 

Across five days, attendees will focus on converting research into action — shaping tools, policies,  and partnerships that can deliver better health outcomes in cities worldwide. 

Strong Partnership Across Aotearoa 

ICUH 2025 is delivered in partnership with: 

City Co-Host 

• Wellington City Council 

Academic Co-Host 

• University of Otago 

Co-Sponsors 

• World Health Organization (WHO) 

• UN-HABITAT

Registration & Poster Award Sponsor 

• Bupa 

Partner Institutions 

• Victoria University of Wellington (Te Herenga Waka) 

• MĀPIHI – Māori & Pacific Housing Research Centre 

• Office for Seniors  

• Auckland University of Technology (AUT) 

• Te Hotonga Hapori – Connecting Communities (AUT) 

• Global Observatory of Healthy and Sustainable Cities 

• Business Events Wellington 

This coalition reflects the growing commitment to urban health leadership across Aotearoa. Government Roundtable — Free and Open to the Public Thursday, 20 November • 3:15–4:15pm • Tākina Wellington Convention Centre 

The public is invited to hear how cross-party MPs, local government leaders and senior city officials  can work with communities, researchers and other sectors to build healthier, more resilient cities  across New Zealand. 

This open-access format aligns with ISUH’s goal of promoting transparency, shared governance  and public engagement in urban health decision-making. 

Registration & Programme 

Full programme and speaker details are available at: www.icuh2025.org 

More than 160 sessions, 350 delegates, 60+ countries.

Giselle Sebag, Executive Director, International Society for Urban Health (ISUH): 

“Cities are where the future of health prevention and promotion will be won or lost. Hosting ICUH  2025 in Wellington brings global expertise to Aotearoa while spotlighting New Zealand’s leadership  

About the International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) 

Founded in 2002 at the New York Academy of Medicine, ISUH is the only global nonprofit  organization working to bring together leaders from across academia, government, philanthropy,  the nonprofit, and private sectors to achieve a healthier, more equitable urban future for all people,  in all communities, worldwide.

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