Kutse

Prof. Ben Wheeler Co-director of the WHO CC on

Natural Environments and Health, European Centre for Environment

and Human Health, University of Exeter, UK

Dr. Sinaia Netanyahu Senior Advisor on Nature and

Health, WHO European Center for Environment and Health,

Germany

29 APRIL 11:45-12:30 CET

29 APRIL 11:45-12:30 CET

breakout session

HEALTH Rebooting

PROMOTION

Nature-based solutions for prevention and health promotion in a changing climate

The session will examine the health benefits of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in preventing disease and promoting health, with a focus on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). It will highlight how well-designed urban NbS can address climate-related challenges – particularly extreme heat and flooding – while improving population well-being.

The discussion will emphasize equity-driven, evidence-based, and sustainable approaches that enhance climate resilience and meet societal needs – including access to green space, shade, and urban cooling – and support Member States in advancing integrated, health- promoting, and climate-responsive policies, while strengthening community engagement.

Objective

Dr. Rebecca Lovell Senior Lecturer in Biodiversity,

Health and Policy, European Centre for Environment and Human

Health

The outcome of the session will inform the WHO European Regional Strategy on tackling NCDs and advancing health promotion and well-being (2027–2037) by identifying priority actions for applying NbS to interconnected climate and health challenges, particularly in urban settings.

Register to join

X1WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

REGIONAL OFFICE FOR EUROPE

WELTGESUNDHEITSORGANISATION

REGIONALBÜRO FÜR EUROPA

ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ

BUREAU RÉGIONAL DE L'EUROPE

ВСЕМИРНАЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЯ ЗДРАВООХРАНЕНИЯ

ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЕ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЕ БЮРО

Rebooting health promotion Marking 40 years of the Ottawa Charter in the WHO European Region

Version: 1 Original: English

Date: 29 & 30 April 2026 Virtual

Concept Note

Forty years ago, the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion reframed global thinking on health from a

focus on treating illness to promoting overall well-being through shaping the social, economic and

environmental conditions that enable people and communities to gain greater control over their health and

its determinants. Since then, this vision has evolved in response to new realities while reaffirming the

foundational idea that health is created where we live, work, learn and connect.

Today this approach is as critical as ever. Rising megatrends including widening inequalities, conflict,

climate crisis, digital transformation, shifting demographics and the growing burden of noncommunicable

diseases (NCDs) are challenging the prerequisites for health: peace, shelter, education, food, income, a

stable eco-system, sustainable resources, social justice and equity. While the core principles of health

promotion remain unchanged – advocating for conditions favourable to health, achieving equity, and

promoting multisectoral action – the contexts and environments in which they must be applied are

increasingly complex.

Social, political, economic, environmental and digital determinants of health are shaping the conditions in

which people live, work and connect, and challenging effective disease prevention and the promotion of

physical and mental health and well-being. Building and maintaining trust, addressing the social

determinants of health and reducing inequalities, and empowering communities are foundational to

effective and equitable responses to these challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that a

health promotion approach is equally essential for communicable disease prevention and control.

Meanwhile countries are facing strained health systems, mounting costs, shrinking budgets and workforce

shortages. Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other NCD targets is

faltering. Recent WHO estimates indicate that 60% of the 1.8 million annual avoidable deaths caused by

NCDs in the WHO European Region could be averted with better prevention. Productivity losses from

avoidable NCD deaths are approaching half a trillion euro annually.

The core intent of health promotion remains constant. What must evolve are the strategies, partnerships,

policies, governance arrangements and tools through which this is realized.

To reflect on the lessons of health promotion over the past four decades and to collectively shape the path

forward, the WHO Regional Office for Europe invites Member States and other stakeholders to

participate in a virtual dialogue on 29-30 April 2026. This forum will provide a space for reflection,

visioning and linking the legacy of the Ottawa Charter with emerging challenges, opportunities and ways

of working.

This dialogue will also contribute to the framing of a proposed WHO European Regional Strategy on

tackling noncommunicable diseases and advancing health promotion and well-being 2027-2037, ensuring

that it is rooted in community engagement and reflects the priorities of Member States and partners, and

responds to the political, social and economic realities of today and the decade ahead.

Concept Note Page 2

Objectives

• Revisit the legacy of the Ottawa Charter and its impact on well-being in the WHO European

Region and draw lessons for future action.

• Reposition health promotion as a strategic, equity-driven response to emerging health, social and

environmental challenges, and share evidence-based practices to strengthen health promoting

systems, settings and policies and inform future Regional strategies on NCDs and mental health.

• Reinforce partnerships and community engagement to empower people to create sustainable

health-promoting environments.

Programme overview

What shapes our health? Revisiting Ottawa for a new era

29 April 2026 | 10:00–12:30 CET

Designing for health: Recommitting to health promotion

30 April 2026 | 10:00–12:30 CET

The event will include high-level panels, discussions with thought leaders and interactive breakout

discussion. It is intended for policymakers, government officials at all levels, public health and health

care professionals, civil society organizations, researchers, health advocates and international partners.

Registration

Participation is free, but registration is required. The event will be held in English with interpretation into

Russian available. Register here: Rebooting health promotion

For questions, please contact Allison Ekberg ([email protected])