As part of the implementation of the WHO Urban Preparedness Framework, WHO is pleased to announce the new UN self-paced course for the Joint Training Programme on Whole-of-Society Approach to Creating Healthy, Resilient, and Sustainable Cities: Harnessing South-South Cooperation for a Post-COVID Era is now available on OpenWHO: Whole-of-Society Approach to Creating Healthy, Resilient, and (openwho.org).

This training serves as an introductory training for urban leaders, planners, and practitioners, aiming to (1) Increase awareness and understanding for managing complex urban disaster risks and enhancing public health emergency response preparedness, and SSTC; (2) Introduce useful concepts and tools to strengthen whole-of-society engagement in urban disaster risk management; (3) Better prepare city stakeholders and engage them in making cities resilient for future crises, health and non-health emergencies and uncertainties; (4) Facilitate learning through SSTC towards sustainable development; and (5) Inspire and motivate whole-of-society (especially young people) to play a key and active role in securing resilient and sustainable urban futures.

The training is jointly developed by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Global Education and Training Institute (UNDRR GETI), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) (and held live on 7, 14, 21, and 27 June 2023).

The training has been developed in the context World Health Assembly Resolution 75.7 on Strengthening health emergency preparedness and response in cities and urban settings (who.int).