Giving Compass' Take:

• The Ottawa Sun reports on the Partnership for Healthy Cities program, in which leaders from 54 cities around the world are attempting to brainstorm solutions to public health issues.

• From safer routes to schools to mitigating obesity, there are plenty of ways for urban policymakers to have an impact in this area. In what ways can the nonprofit sector support them?

• Here's how technology can be used for the advancement of smart cities.

At a time when the international order is shifting, there is a growing focus on cities to help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg ­­— who took steps to tackle smoking, traffic deaths and obesity during his tenure running New York — is encouraging the rise of cities as solution states through a philanthropic program called Partnership for Healthy Cities, run by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Bloomberg contacted mayors from 54 cities around the world — including Toronto and Montreal — to participate in the program that aims to tackle issues including seatbelt and helmet use, reduction of sugary drinks, drunk driving, healthy food and, in Canada, making cities more walkable and bikeable.

“There is a movement recognizing that cities are leading drivers of change,” said Kelly Larson, who directs the Partnership for Healthy Cities program. “We believe that cities can make huge change when there is political will.”

Cities are often more nimble and have power to quickly make changes to improve public health and safety, she said. They also represent 80 per cent of the world’s population, and growing.

Read the full article about fixing the world's problems through cities by Elizabeth Payne at the Ottawa Sun.