High-Level Closing Event of the National Action Plan Against Childhood Obesity for the National Action Against Childhood Obesity at the SNFCC

ATHENS, May 27, 2026 — Greece took center stage in the international dialogue on the prevention of childhood obesity, hosting the High-Level Closing Event of the National Action Plan Against Childhood Obesity at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, co-organized by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF.

The event brought together high-ranking government officials, health ministers, leading scientists, academics from internationally recognized universities, international organizations, sports organizations, and young people from more than 10 countries, highlighting Greece as a model for the development of comprehensive policies to prevent childhood obesity.

The event was opened by the Alternate Minister of Health, Dr. Eirini Agapidaki, who emphasized the strategic importance of the National Action Plan and the country’s transition from negative European rankings to a new national approach to prevention and health promotion for children.

UNICEF’s Representative in Greece, Dr. Ghassan Khalil, highlighted the importance of addressing childhood obesity as a children’s rights issue and not merely as an isolated public health campaign, noting that Greece has implemented one of the most comprehensive national initiatives for the prevention of childhood obesity in Europe today.

The thematic discussions focused on:

• international prevention policies and sustainable national strategies,

• the link between physical and mental health,

• the impact of digital environments and commercial factors on children’s health,

• the role of schools, communities, and families,

• the need for whole-of-society and whole-of-government approaches,

• as well as the importance of scientific evidence, social and behavioral change, and intergenerational prevention.

Particular emphasis was also placed on:

• physical activity and sports as tools for prevention,

• the mental resilience of children and adolescents,

• social inequalities that influence health behaviors,

• as well as the need to shift from individual responsibility toward more supportive and healthy environments for children.

The event also featured a presentation of the key results of the National Action Plan Against Childhood Obesity, including:

• more than 13,000 personalized nutritional counseling sessions,

• more than 130,000 healthy meals and fresh fruits provided in schools,

• the participation of nearly 100,000 teenagers in the “Journey of Food” initiative,

• more than 237,000 free basketball training sessions through the Healthy Hoops 4 All program,

• and thousands of children, parents, teachers, and health professionals participating in workshops, community activities, and school programs across the country.

Leading figures from the international scientific and political communities gathered in Athens to participate in the event, including:

• Portugal’s Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins,
• the WHO Representative in Greece, Dr. João Breda,
• Dr. Simon Barquera, President of the World Obesity Federation,
• Joan Matji, Global Lead for Nutrition at UNICEF,
• Professor Niyati Parekh from New York University,
• Professor Lee M. Sanders from Stanford University,
• Professor Paulina Nowicka from Uppsala University and the Karolinska Institutet,
• Dr. Jill Landsbaugh Kaar from the University of Colorado,
• as well as representatives from international universities and organizations in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Australia.

A highlight of the event was the special video message from Pau Gasol, UNICEF’s Global Ambassador for Nutrition and the Elimination of Childhood Obesity and a legend of world basketball, who issued an international call for collective action, investment in prevention, and a shift in mindset regarding nutrition, physical activity, and children’s health.

Another moving moment was the presentation of the “Youth Declaration on Childhood Obesity” by members of UNICEF’s Children and Youth Advisory Group, underscoring the importance of the meaningful participation of children and youth in shaping health and prevention policies.

Throughout the event, Greece was repeatedly cited by international participants as an example of best practice for how a country can translate scientific knowledge and international guidelines into a comprehensive, child-centered national prevention policy.

The event concluded with a shared recognition among international participants that childhood obesity is one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide and that long-term policies, international collaboration, and sustained investment in prevention, always with a focus on the rights and well-being of every child.

The day’s high-level program was presented by journalists Apostolos Mangiriadis and Sia Kosioni, who moderated the political, scientific, and international discussions on the future of public health and prevention policies for children and adolescents.