Wellbeing City Award will recognise child-friendly thinking

Cities which put children and families at the heart of their policy-making could have their reputation enhanced through the new WellBeing City Award.

Launched by the Canada-based NewCities Foundation, the award aims to create a global standard for urban wellbeing by putting cities that are connected to ‘wellness’ and quality of life on the international stage.

Recognise

Cites will later this year be able to apply for the award, which will recognise big and small cities equally. They must be able to demonstrate that their policies address a range of indicators, including health, education, safety, environment and work-life balance. Each application will be considered by NewCities and a jury of international city experts.

NewCities is an international nonprofit organisation ‘dedicated to making cities more inclusive, connected, healthy and vibrant’. Its ethos is about focusing on people, places and policies to bring together a global network of public and private sector leaders and innovators to deliver results. It is being supported by the Canadian and US strands of the Novartis Foundation, a global non-profit health campaigner, along with the City of Montréal, the Toyota Mobility Foundation and HuffPost Canada.

Andreia Furtado, Communications Manager for NewCities, said that the award, which has no cash prize, was designed to encourage cities with inclusive policies for all generations to apply, and that specific criteria would be announced in September when the call for applications opens. “The award will be a symbolic recognition of the city and an opportunity for the winning city to be recognised on the global stage,” she added.

Opportunity

Dr. Ann Aerts, Head of the Novartis Foundation said: “Being home to the majority of the world’s growing population, cities are dynamic environments that are under immense pressure to provide access to quality healthcare for all citizens. At the Novartis Foundation, we are excited to be part of the Wellbeing City Award to recognize leaders that are advancing bold urban health initiatives. We have an incredible opportunity to learn from each other as we work together, across all sectors for improved health and wellbeing for cities.”

Valérie Plante, Mayor of the City of Montréal, added: “More than ever, cities play a key role to ensure a better tomorrow for future generations. As North America’s top University City, Montreal is a progressive city open to the world, culturally rich and known worldwide for its exceptional quality of life.

Encourage

“As such, we recognize the importance of placing the wellbeing of our citizens at the centre of our policies and sharing best practices to help foster new ideas. We encourage cities all around the world to participate in this great initiative launched by NewCities.”

More information about the application process, including key dates, is available online.