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The International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) is delighted to welcome and endorse the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 More Active People for a Healthier World.  The comprehensive plan was launched in Portugal on Monday 4 June 2018 co-hosted by WHO and the Ministry of Health of Portugal and the Portuguese Football Federation with attendance of the Prime Minister of Portugal and the Director General of WHO.

 

 

The launch of this Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) is a most significant development for global physical activity and marks the achievement of a key IUHPE advocacy goal.    

 

The action plan was developed over the past year with input from around the world, including from the IUHPE Executive Board. The consultation has been broad, including all regions and representation from across all sectors of government, civil society, non-state actors, private sector, research and the academic community. The development was initiated following the request of countries at WHA 70 in May 2017, led by Thailand, for more leadership and a road map on effective national policy to increase levels of participation in physical activity. 

 

The core structure is the achievement of 4 objectives through 20 action areas with specific policy and roles recommended for government and stakeholders 

 

The 4 objectives are Active Environments, Active People, Active Systems and Active Society which are mutually reinforcing and support countries to achieve access to safe and enabling environments and to diverse and equitable opportunities to be physically active for all people in their daily lives. 

The IUHPE applauds this important policy development. IUHPE Vice President for Partnerships Trevor Shilton said "These measures present a new way of tackling the promotion of physical activity in an equitable way through a whole of system of approach".  He added, ".. it is about providing supportive environments and settings that make it easier for all people to be more active, regardless of age, ability and income, in ways they can enjoy.  It focuses attention and the need for action on the causes of why so many people are less active – and these are cultural, environmental and economic as well as individual factors." 

The initiative recognises the multiple benefits of more active societies including improved individual and community health, mental health as well as significant contribution to the social, cultural, environmental and economic development of all nations. 

 

The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity will make a significant contribution to both the UN NCD Targets and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

 

The action plan is available from the WHO website at www.who.int/lets-be-active/en/  

 

The IUHPE encourages all members to advocate strongly for the plan and we call on all Member States to commit to equitable implementation through funded National Physical Activity Action Plans that embrace each of the GAPPA's 4 objectives of Active Environments, Active People, Active Systems and Active Society. 

 

June 2018