S09: Leveraging Global Physical Activity and Physical Education Data to Shape the Future: The Launch of the GoPA! and GoPE! 2025 Country Cards

Abstract

Physical activity and physical education are cornerstones of public health, especially in addressing non-communicable diseases and promoting wellbeing across the lifespan. While many countries have high levels of surveillance, plan, policy, and programme development, and research of physical activity, physical education, and school-based physical activity, there is still a gap. The Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) and Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) Country Cards provide a comprehensive view of global progress, offering evidence to inform better advocacy, policy alignment, and action. The aim of this symposium is to launch the GoPA! Third set of Country Cards and the GoPE! First set of Country Cards and discuss the progress of global surveillance, policy, and research of physical activity, physical education, and school-based physical activity. The Chair’s presentation will provide an overview of the global landscape of physical activity and physical education, discussing key trends, challenges, and opportunities. This introduction will set the foundation for data-driven discussions aimed at informing policy actions. Presentation 1 will launch the Third Edition of GoPA! Country Cards, and presentation 2 will launch the Third GoPA! Almanac – comprehensive collections of country profiles accessible to the public. Presentation 3 will introduce the First Edition of GoPE! Country Cards, followed by presentation 4, which will launch the First GoPE! Almanac. These resources are designed as key tools to support countries in promoting physical activity, physical education, and school-based initiatives. They aim to transform data into meaningful public health actions and policies. Presentation 5 will offer a reflective analysis of physical activity and physical education monitoring, emphasising successes, challenges, and strategies for future improvement.

This symposium will provide a comprehensive overview of the global state of physical activity and physical education through the lens of the GoPA! and GoPE! observatories and allow countries to determine their needs and opportunities to initiate or improve data collection, surveillance, research, and policies. A discussant will conclude by synthesising key insights and calling for stronger, integrated efforts to improve global physical activity and physical education policies.