Cork councillor joins World Health Organisation Healthy Cities Network

Cork city councillor, Tony Fitzgerald has been appointed to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) European Healthy Cities Network Political Committee.

Mr Fitzgerald, who is a Fianna Fáil representative for the Cork city North West ward, has been appointed to the position for Phase VIII (2026–2030).

The WHO committee is a key leadership body bringing together senior elected representatives from across Europe to advance public health, wellbeing, and sustainable urban development.

The appointment follows a formal selection process led by the WHO European Healthy Cities Network Secretariat.

Senior technical officer at the WHO’s regional office for Europe, Kira Forture, said Mr Fitzgerald’s nomination and selection is recognition of his “leadership and commitment to advancing the Healthy Cities agenda and strengthening political engagement in health, wellbeing, and sustainable urban development across the WHO European region”.

Experience

“The secretariat also expressed confidence that his experience will make an important contribution to the work of the political committee,” said Ms Fortune.

Cork has been designated as a WHO Healthy City for 14 years, with Mr Fitzgerald’s appointment representing a significant opportunity to further enhance Cork’s role within the network.

Mr Fitzgerald said he is “honoured” to be selected to serve on the committee.

“Cork has proudly been part of this network since 2012, and this appointment provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen our international collaboration, share Cork’s experiences, and bring home new ideas that will benefit the health and wellbeing of our communities."

His appointment was unanimously approved by Cork City Council.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, said Mr Fitzgerald’s appointment, which was unanimously approved by Cork City Council, “underscores Cork city’s continued commitment to the Healthy Cities agenda, reinforcing its leadership in promoting healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable urban environments for its citizens”.

Summit

Cork City Council, Cork Healthy Cities and the Department of Health will host a WHO Mayor’s Summit on Climate and Health in Cork on October 5 and 6, which will convene political leaders from across the WHO European Healthy Cities Network at a pivotal time when Ireland holds the EU presidency.

The meeting will provide a platform to translate city experiences and scientific evidence into political commitments, ensuring local voices shape European and global policy on climate and health.