Minister Carroll MacNeill TD Welcomes European Leaders to Cork for WHO Summit of Mayors on Climate and Health
5 October 2026
On Sunday Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD hosted the opening reception of the WHO Summit of Mayors on Climate and Health in Cork City. This event will bring together mayors, public health leaders, researchers and policymakers from across Europe to strengthen collaboration on one of the defining public health challenges of our time.
Addressing delegates at Cork City Hall, Minister Carroll MacNeill highlighted the strong connection between climate action and health action, emphasising that climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a health, community and local leadership issue.
The Summit, held in collaboration with the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, provides a platform for sharing evidence, innovative approaches and practical solutions that help create healthier, more resilient and sustainable cities.
In her remarks, the Minister welcomed representatives from across Europe, including WHO leaders and city mayors, and praised Cork’s longstanding commitment to sustainable urban development and public health. She noted that Cork's role as a member of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and its status as an EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Mission City made it an ideal location for these important discussions.
The Minister also highlighted the significance of the Summit during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, noting the opportunity to connect local experiences with national and European policymaking.
The event will culminate in the development of the Cork Call to Action on Climate & Health, a shared commitment to support mayors and local leaders in advancing practical climate and health initiatives within their communities.
Welcoming delegates to Cork, Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“Climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern. It is a health issue, a community issue and a local leadership issue. By working together across governments, health systems and communities, we can build healthier, fairer and more resilient cities for future generations.”
The reception provided an opportunity for delegates to meet and exchange ideas ahead of the Summit proceedings, reinforcing the partnerships that will be essential to delivering meaningful action on climate and health across Europe.