UNDP and WHO have produced this set of four policy briefs to discuss how different aspects of health promotion – healthy cities, action across sectors, social mobilization, and health literacy – can support ‘win-wins’ for health and sustainable development in the context of Agenda 2030. The briefs, intended for all stakeholders, will be a key input into the 9^th Global Conference on Health Promotion, to be held in Shanghai from 21-24 November 2016.  

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development reflects and responds to the increasing complexity and interconnectedness of health and development, including widening economic and social inequalities, rapid urbanization, threats to climate and the environment, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases, and the emergence of new challenges such as the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases.

Now more than ever it is crucial to adopt an integrated and strategic approach that harnesses key synergies and delivers shared gains. Successful outcomes in health can positively impact multiple SDGs. For example, good health can make important contributions to achieving gender equality and empowering women, reducing inequalities, providing access to justice and ending poverty and hunger. Advances in these areas can benefit health in turn.