The ICUH 2026 Themes
Healthy Cities by Design: Climate, Care, and Community from Latin America to the World
This year's theme reflects a defining moment of global convergence. Cities are simultaneously ground zero for health inequities and the source of the most innovative, community-driven responses to them — and this is particularly visible right now in Latin America.
From climate-resilient neighborhoods and community-led care systems to participatory governance and local and traditional knowledge practices, the region is generating models with profound relevance for cities everywhere.
ICUH 2026 brings this leadership to the center of the global urban health conversation — and invites urban health advocates from around the world to learn from it, contribute to it, and build upon it together.
2026 Thematic Areas
ICUH 2026 is organized around six thematic areas that reflect the interdisciplinary breadth of urban health — and the particular urgency of this moment in Latin America and beyond.
The conference program will be built around these themes, bringing together 150+ sessions and activities across four days in Mexico City, including plenary moments, interactive workshops, panel discussions, poster presentations, case studies, cutting-edge research, site visits, evening socials, and more.
THEME 1
Climate, Environment, & Urban Resilience
Cities concentrate climate hazards and environmental exposures – and urban design, governance, and infrastructure hold the key to solutions. This theme explores planning, policy, and design strategies that reduce risk, improve environmental quality, and deliver health co-benefits through climate mitigation and adaptation.
THEME 2
Food, Movement, & Noncommunicable Disease Prevention
Urban form shapes what people eat, how they move, and their risk of noncommunicable disease. This theme brings together public health, transportation, food systems, and urban planning to accelerate prevention and reduce health disparities.
THEME 3
Healthy Urban Living Across the Lifecourse
Healthy cities work for people at every age. This theme spotlights place-based approaches that strengthen care, connection, and capability — from early childhood development and youth opportunity through to healthy aging.
THEME 4
Mental Health, Social Connection, and Belonging
Cities should be places of safety, dignity, and belonging. This theme addresses mental wellbeing and injury and violence prevention through evidence-based design, policy, and community-centered service delivery.
THEME 5
Urban Health Systems, Primary Care, and Governance for Impact
Turning evidence into action requires strong health systems and cross-sector coordination. This theme focuses on primary care, public health, and the partnerships that connect health services with urban policy — especially for prevention and long-term resilience.
THEME 6
Regional Spotlight: Latin America and the Caribbean
ICUH 2026 places Latin American leadership at the center of the global urban health conversation. From Indigenous knowledge systems to community-based care networks and innovative megacity governance, this track showcases regional models with global relevance.
Submissions are welcome in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.