İzmir Metropolitan Municipality became the first municipality in Turkey to be chosen for WHO European Healthy Cities Network Phase VI.
İzmir was also among the first cities in Europe to be selected for this phase. After its membership in World Health Organisation European Healthy Cities Network Phase V during 2009-2013 period, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality fulfilled the requirements of membership in Phase VI and made its application for this phase. Being selected in first order to be in the 12 city quota determined by WHO for Turkey in Phase VI from among the 49 member cities of Turkish Healthy Cities Network, İzmir continues to hold its place among WHO European Healthy Cities for the 2014-2018 period.
Working towards ensuring a high standard of living and creating "Healthy Cities" in line with the principles of sustainable development, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality achieve the right to enter WHO European Healthy Cities Network Phase VI along with Dresden of Germany, Riga and Jurmala of Latvia, Klaipedia of Lithuania, Cherepovets of Russian Federation, Ostfold County of Norway, Dimitrovgrad of Bulgaria and Lodz of Poland.
Cities chosen for WHO European Healthy Cities Network Phase VI will continue their efforts in line with 4 main themes determined in accord with the principles of Health Improvement for All, Leadership in Health and Promoting Participatory Government, the main subjects of Phase VI. These 4 main themes are;
1- The life course and empowering people (priorities: early years, older people, vulnerability and health literacy).
2- Tackling the major public health challenges in the European Region. (priorities; physical activity, diet and obesity, alcohol, tobacco and mental Well-being).
3- Strengthening people-centred health systems and public health capacity. (priorities; transforming city services delivery, revitalizing and strengthening public health capacity).
4- Creating resilient communities and supportive environments (priorities; community resilience, healthy settings, healthy urban planning and design, healthy transport, climate change, housing and regeneration).