About HEPA Europe

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles have long been established as risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. The promotion of physical activity not only requires strategies at the population level but must also include multisectoral as well as multidisciplinary and cultural approaches. The mission of the European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA Europe) is to provide, through its events and working groups, a forum for the advancement of HEPA research, policy and practice for better health and well-being across the WHO European Region.

HEPA Europe is a WHO/Europe network, established during its first meeting in 2005 in Gerlev, Denmark.

HEPA Europe activities are based on WHO policy statements and corresponding documents from the European Commission, and are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030.

HEPA Europe membership is open to organizations and institutions active at the regional, national or subnational level, who are willing to contribute to the goals and objectives of the network.

Events and working groups

HEPA Europe’s annual events and working groups deliver high-quality, relevant evidence in the field of promoting HEPA. HEPA Europe working groups focus on HEPA promotion through a variety of thematic areas. The network’s working groups are important components in the development of methods, tools and guidance – ranging from funded research and development projects to self-financed exchange of ideas on specific topics.

HEPA Europe main objectives and guiding principles

Objectives

• Foster interdisciplinary communication and knowledge exchange between researchers, practitioners and policy-makers.
• Facilitate sharing of experiences and best practice in HEPA promotion.
• Contribute to the development of multisectoral and intersectoral policies and strategies for HEPA.
• Strengthen collaboration within and between sectors to advance HEPA research, practice and policy.
• Provide capacity-building opportunities for researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to strengthen the skillset of the HEPA workforce.
• Deliver and support advocacy actions for the creation and maintenance of supportive social, physical and policy environments for HEPA.
• Provide a strong voice for the HEPA agenda.

Guiding principles

• Focus on population-based approaches for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity using the best available scientific evidence.
• Encourage exchange, dissemination and sharing of experience and knowledge.
• Support cooperation, partnerships and collaboration with other related sectors, networks and approaches.