16th meeting of the HEPA Europe Steering Committee: Gerlev, Denmark, 7–8 September 2011: executive summary

16TH MEETING OF THE HEPA EUROPE STEERING COMMITTEE GERLEV, DENMARK, 7-8 SEPTEMBER 2011 HEPA Europe European network for the promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Executive summary 1. Background The 16th meeting of the Steering Committee of HEPA Europe was convened to review progress with implementation of the 2010/2011 work programme and to update on recent developments regarding the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity. In addition, the applications for membership received since the last meeting were assessed and two pending application were further discussed. Further, the preparations of the 7th annual meeting and 3rd HEPA Europe conference in October 2011 were finalized, including the draft activity report of the past year and the new draft work programme for 2011/2012. Results of a sub-committee convened to develop a recruitment strategy for new Steering Committee candidates were also discussed. The meeting was attended by 5 members of the Steering Committee from 5 countries and 1 WHO staff from the Regional Office for Europe. The meeting was kindly hosted and supported by the Gerlev Physical Education and Sports Academy, Denmark. It was chaired by Willem van Mechelen from the Free University (VU) Medical Center and assisted by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Rome office, and the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine of the University of Zurich, Switzerland. 2. Evaluation of applications for membership Two of the three new applications received since the last meeting were supported by the participants; one new as well as one pending application required further assessments for a final decision. One pending application was not supported. The supported applicants will become temporary members and will be proposed to the network for confirmation at the 7th annual meeting on 13 October 2011 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. 3. Update on recent, relevant activities and developments Updates were given on the ongoing activities at the international level, including:  activities of the WHO  activities of the EU  other international activities Report 16th meeting of HEPA Europe Steering Committee, 7-8 September 2011 4. Activity report 2010/2011 and work programme 2011/2012 Participants took note of the update on the state of affairs on the implementation of the work programme 2010/2011 and discussed the draft work programme 2011/2012, that will be finalized at the 7th annual meeting in October in Amsterdam. 5. Annual meetings of HEPA Europe The programme of the 7th annual meeting and 3rd conference of HEPA Europe was finalized. An outline of the 8th annual meeting 2012 was discussed, including a symposium on green environment to promote physical activity. The meeting will be hosted by the Physical Activity & Nutrition Network (PANNW) for Wales, Public Health Wales, United Kingdom, in Cardiff. In addition, the call for hosts of the 2013 annual meeting was finalized, which will be launched at the 7th annual meeting. 6. Other business and next meetings of the Steering Committee The report of the sub-committee to develop a recruitment strategy for the Steering Committee was discussed, and 3 new candidacies for the Steering Committee were officially supported. The participants also expressed their deepest thanks to the outgoing members Michael Sjöström and Radim Šlachta for their long services and great support to HEPA Europe. An informal meeting of the Steering Committee will take place on 10 October late afternoon in Amsterdam, followed by a dinner with the HEPA Europe fellows (former members of the committee). The next meeting will take place on 6-7 March 2012 in Zurich, Switzerland and on 15 June 2012 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. (c) World Health Organization 2011 Report - Annex 16th meeting of HEPA Europe Steering Committee, 7-8 September 2011 Annex: List of participants Professor Finn Berggren Gerlev Physical Education and Sports Academy Slagelse Denmark Mr Maarten Koornneef Policy advisor sport and health Sports Division Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) The Hague The Netherlands Dr Harry Rutter Director National Obesity Observatory England Oxford United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Dr Sonja Kahlmeier Deputy Head of Unit Physical Activity and Health Unit Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine University of Zurich Switzerland Professor Willem van Mechelen Head Department of Public and Occupational Health Co-director EMGO+ Institute VU University Medical Center Amsterdam The Netherlands World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe Ms Francesca Racioppi Acting Head of Office Regional Office for Europe European Centre for Environment and Health Rome Office Rome, Italy