Over 100 mayors, councillors, and elected representatives endorsed the document during the World Health Organization Summit of Mayors on Climate and Health, held in Cork, Ireland. The manifesto focuses on actions in the areas of nature, food, active mobility, housing, and preparedness for extreme weather conditions.
The Councillor for Health Promotion of the Viana do Castelo Municipal Council, Ricardo Rego, participated in the summit representing the municipality and as a member of the Political Committee of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. He took part in the thematic session on “Nature-Positive Cities” and supported the document's adoption.
Viana do Castelo was chosen as the official proponent of the Manifesto, having been the city where preparatory work began last June. The declaration aims to strengthen local climate action, prioritizing health, equity, and climate justice in municipal decisions.
The five priority areas for intervention include protecting nature and biodiversity, promoting healthy food systems, encouraging active mobility, improving housing conditions, and strengthening community resilience to extreme weather events.
Participation allowed for the sharing of experiences with other European cities and reinforced the municipality's involvement in cooperation on climate change challenges. Attendance at the summit aligns with the commitment to promote local policies that integrate public health, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.
The summit was opened by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, and the keynote address was delivered by former Prime Minister of Iceland, Katrín Jakobsdóttir, chair of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health.
