February 28, 2024

Korean Healthy Cities delegation visits University of Wollongong

Healthy Cities Illawarra, UOW and Korean delegates share knowledge on urban planning, community well-being, and sustainable policies

A delegation from the Korean Healthy Cities Partnership, was warmly welcomed to the University of Wollongong (UOW) as part of a visit to the region organised by Healthy Cities Illawarra.

The focus areas of the tour included healthy urban planning and design, smart city initiatives for community wellbeing, active transport and health in public policies, and the delegation included specialists in health, urban planning and environment from local councils across the Republic of Korea. The visit was part of a study tour in collaboration with Healthy Cities Illawarra to share experiences in creating healthier communities.

The delegation was warmly received by Deputy Lord Mayor of Wollongong Tania Brown and UOW interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Life) Professor Eileen McLaughlin.

Professor McLaughlin said the visit of the Korean Healthy Cities Partnership delegation to the University of Wollongong marks an important step in strengthening international collaboration and knowledge exchange in creating healthier cities.

"We are at a critical time where, arguably, there has never been a greater imperative to address the health of our people, our cities, and our planet – the three are inextricably linked,” Professor McLaughlin said.

“The Korean Healthy Cities Partnership, Healthy Cities Illawarra and the University of Wollongong have a very significant and important thread that unites us all; our common vision and purpose are to have a positive impact in our communities.

“As a truly global university with a core goal to deliver positive impact for our communities, we welcome greater collaboration with fantastic organisations and networks, such as the Korean Healthy Cities Partnership."

The group enjoyed presentations by our partners from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) and Wollongong City Council (WCC) before they toured the Early Start Discovery Space.

Healthy Cities is a global movement initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1986. Healthy Cities Illawarra, as part of this movement, strives to create healthy environments, enable healthy choices, address social, economic, and environmental causes of health inequity, and work towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Korean Healthy Cities Partnership has grown from 14 cities when it was founded in 2006, to more than 100 cities and 12 academic institutions today.