Kia Ora! With this greeting, we were welcomed to ICUH 2025, the 21st International Conference on Urban Health, held in Wellington, New Zealand, from November 17th to 21st. The event also aimed, through language itself, to highlight the community and legacy of the Māori people in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Under the title Weaving Climate Action, Equity, and Wellbeing from the Pacific to the World, the conference featured a deep focus on Māori and community perspectives to build solutions for healthier cities and populations.
Photo of Plenary #4 – Place Matters: Local & Cultural Insight for Urban Wellbeing
I was there, representing the Drexel Research Center on Extreme Weather Events and Urban Health (CCUH) and the SALURBAL-Climate Project, leading a workshop on November 18th titled “Strategies for Effective Research Translation to Drive Climate Action and Build Healthier Cities.” There, 28 people shared a space designed primarily for researchers to learn about and engage in the field of science communication, specifically through five steps for effectively translating science for non-academic audiences.
Beyond my specific participation, this which aims to bring together academics, community members, and decision-makers around public health—had a distinctly holistic focus. It moved beyond purely academic presentations, weaving everything together with plenaries that sought to integrate food systems, community markets, and the importance of local and cultural contexts for urban wellbeing.
In a year that has consistently challenged science, truthful information, and the right to health—both within and outside the United States—it was inspiring to encounter the resilience and work being led from public and community spheres on this Pacific island. Thanks to this event, these efforts offer a glimmer of hope to other corners of the world.
