Cities concentrate people, services, and decision-makers. By 2050, nearly 70 percent of the global population will live in cities. That concentration makes them a powerful platform to advance health and economic outcomes globally.

Cities that treat health as foundational infrastructure—not just an expense—can unlock returns that compound for generations. The McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) estimates that immediately influenceable city-level interventions could add 20 to 25 billion years of healthier life globally—approximately five additional healthy years per person on average.

When cities align public health outcomes with business incentives, they enable solutions that are impactful, equitable, and economically sustainable.

Across the globe, cross-sector city leaders are demonstrating what is possible when health becomes a shared accountability—and a shared return.

From Philadelphia to Santiago to Abu Dhabi, cities are catalyzing scalable, evidence-based solutions that address urgent challenges such as chronic disease, mental health, and access to care.

Watch the two videos in a new series to explore the people and partnerships proving that healthier cities are also more competitive and more resilient.