TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2016//
TI  - Equity, sustainability and governance in urban settings
JO  - Global health promotion
A1  - Rice, Marilyn
A1  - Hancock, Trevor
SP  - 94
EP  - 97
VL  - 23
IS  - 1 Suppl
N2  - In this commentary the urban setting is explored from the perspective of ecological sustainability and social equity. Urban-related issues are highlighted related to social inequality, deficits in urban infrastructures, behavior-related illnesses and risks, global ecological changes, and urban sprawl. Approaches to addressing these issues are described from the perspective of urban governance, urban planning and design, social determinants of health, health promotion, and personal and community empowerment. Examples of successful strategies are provided from Latin America, including using participatory instruments (assessments, evaluation, participatory budgeting, etc.), establishing intersectoral committees, increasing participation of civil society organizations, and developing virtual forums and networks to channel participatory and collaborative processes. A way forward is proposed, using the urban setting to show the imperative of creating intersectoral policies and programs that produce environments that are both healthy and sustainable. It will be important to include new forms of social participation and use social media to facilitate citizen decision-making and active participation of all sectors of society, especially excluded groups.<br><br>© The Author(s) 2015.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1757-9759
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1757975915601038
ID  - ref1
ER  -