Cork City has received a prestigious invitation from the World Health Organisation to host a Summit of Mayors in Autumn 2026, bringing together political leaders and health professionals from across Europe to tackle climate change and health challenges.
The World Health Organisation Regional European Office has formally invited Lord Mayor Cllr Dan Boyle and Chief Executive Valerie O’Sullivan to host the high-level Summit of Mayors in Cork City during Autumn 2026. The invitation was accepted in principle by council members at last Monday’s council meeting.
The two-day summit will convene mayors, elected political leaders and public health professionals from across the WHO European Region to strengthen political leadership and cross-sector collaboration on climate and health issues. The event will place particular emphasis on preparedness, equity and sustainability.
Cork’s selection as a potential host city reflects its strong credentials in health and climate action. The city has been committed to the WHO Healthy Cities Network since 2012 and has recently achieved the prestigious EU Mission Cities label, positioning it ideally to welcome European colleagues for this important gathering.
The proposed summit programme will include political dialogues, technical exchanges, and site visits showcasing Cork’s work in climate action, participatory governance, and community resilience. The event will also strengthen collaboration between local and national actors in delivering shared objectives under both Phase VIII of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and Ireland’s EU Presidency.
Hosting the Summit of Mayors in 2026 will offer Cork a strategic opportunity to contribute to ongoing regional efforts addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and health, whilst showcasing the city’s innovative approaches to these critical issues on the European stage.
The summit represents a significant recognition of Cork’s leadership in health and climate policy, bringing international attention to the city’s commitment to creating healthier, more sustainable communities for its residents.