Panelists from member countries of the World Health Organization shared their experiences of promoting physical activities at the 9th Global World Health Conference on Nov 22.

Suwit Wibulpolprasert, Senior Adviser of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, moderates a session. [Photo by Wang Yifei/ chinadaily.com.cn]

Audience members at a special panel session for the innovation in health stretch during a "healthy break." [Photo by Wang Yifei/ chinadaily.com.cn]

Nurmuhammet Amannepesov, Minister of Health and Medical Industry, Turkmenistan, said the country has been committed to creating favorable conditions for the public to be more physically active.

Physical activity promotion has become a national strategy of Turkmenistan. It has established a cross-sector committee to promote physical activity.

He said that while making urban planning, building more activity venues and facilities should be put into consideration. It's important that it takes no more than five minutes for people to reach a park by bus or foot. Pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes should be established. 

Audiencemembers raise questions to Fiona Bull (R), a professor at the University of Western Australia, after a panel session themed on physical activity promotion at the 9GCHP on Nov 22 in Shanghai. [Photo by Wang Yifei from chinadaiy.com.cn]

Robert Geneau, director of the Science Integration Division of  the Public Health Agency of Canada, suggested a top-down political commitment is needed to promote health activity. Government should make more publicity of the economic benefits to private sectors to ensure employees are more physically active.

"Cross-sector actions are needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of cities," said Fiona Bull, Director of the Center for built Environment and Health at the University of Western Australia.

She said the city promotes walking and cycling to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In this way, urban environment is improved while physical activity is increased, she said. 

"Infrastructure construction should be given priority to make sure physical activity is safe and comfortable," said Professor Bull.