Cork Set to Welcome European Health Leaders as WHO Invites City to Host Major Climate Summit

Cork is poised to welcome political leaders from across Europe in 2026 after the World Health Organisation formally invited the city to host a significant Mayors' Summit. The invitation, which was approved at a recent Cork City Council meeting, will see mayors and public health experts gather to tackle the intertwined issues of climate change and health.

The event is a major endorsement of the city's ongoing work and leadership within the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. The proposed two-day summit will focus on strengthening political will and collaboration, with a particular emphasis on preparedness, fairness, and sustainability in the face of a changing climate.

For a city that does not shy away from a challenge, hosting the summit presents a strategic opportunity to showcase Cork's own progress in climate action and community resilience on a European stage. The event will include high-level political talks, expert discussions, and site visits to local projects.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle, welcomed the news, stating, "As a longstanding and active member of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and an EU Mission City, Cork City has demonstrated leadership in health and climate action that has helped to shape regional priorities and elevate the voice of Cork within the broader European context. This further endorses our vision for the city to approach health and climate action in a holistic way to encourage innovation, new ways of working, new partnerships and new social and economic opportunities."

The summit's timing aligns with the work of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, an independent body chaired by the former Prime Minister of Iceland, Her Excellency Katrín Jakobsdóttir. This commission is tasked with driving integrated action on the health impacts of climate change, with its final recommendations also due in 2026.

The invitation has also received backing at a national level.

Minister for State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, speaking after a recent National Healthy Cities & Counties meeting in Cork, said:

"The Mayors Summit will provide an important platform for local, national and European leaders to engage with and respond to these regional policy priorities. Cork is ideally placed to host this Summit of Mayors as it has demonstrated leadership in both public health and climate action at city level."

The event will also serve to bolster cooperation between local and national bodies during Ireland’s EU Presidency.