Since January 2026, the City of Düsseldorf has been a member of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

In June, staff from the city administration attended the Third WHO World Congress on Age-friendly Cities and Communities in San Sebastián. They contributed to a workshop entitled From Interest to Implementation: Advancing Age-Friendly Cities and Communities at National Level and gained valuable ideas and insights to support the further development of an age-friendly city in Düsseldorf.

On Thursday, 9 July 2026, Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller received the official certificate marking Düsseldorf’s membership of the WHO network. The certificate was presented by Dr Heidrun Mollenkopf and Ina Voelcker from the German National Association of Senior Citizens’ Organisations (BAGSO). Both had served as ambassadors for the Third WHO World Congress on Age-friendly Cities and Communities, held in San Sebastián in June.

Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller said: “Joining the global WHO network is a significant milestone for Düsseldorf. Our city is growing while, at the same time, its population is ageing. We are actively shaping this demographic change to ensure that people can live independently and participate fully in society as they grow older. Exchanging ideas with cities around the world helps us further develop successful approaches while also showcasing Düsseldorf’s strengths internationally.”

City Director Burkhard Hintzsche added: “For many years, Düsseldorf has been committed to creating a city where people of all generations can enjoy a high quality of life and play an active role in society. Around one quarter of our population of just under 660,000 is aged 60 or over – and this proportion continues to grow. Through our membership of the WHO network, we are further strengthening our commitment to an age-friendly and accessible city. Established services such as the city’s 32 zentren plus community centres are continuously being developed while also gaining greater international visibility.”

Through the official presentation of the membership certificate, the City of Düsseldorf aims to raise public awareness of the objectives of the WHO network and of the city’s activities within the framework of the Age-friendly Cities and Communities initiative. At the same time, the event is intended to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the many stakeholders who help shape urban life. These include residents, elected representatives, the city administration, welfare organisations, and other institutions and organisations.

Following the certificate presentation, representatives of these groups took part in a professional exchange focusing on the opportunities and challenges of age-friendly urban development and on future cooperation within the WHO network.

Participants of the professional exchange. Copyright: Stadt Düsseldorf/Claus Langer