The South-East Asia Physical Activity Conference 2025 (SEAPAC 2025), held from 5–7 November in Bangkok, marked a major milestone in the region’s efforts to promote physical activity and reduce noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The event was hosted by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and the Thailand Physical Activity Knowledge Development Centre (TPAK), and co-hosted by Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Sports Authority of Thailand, Department of Physical Education and WHO South East Asia Regional Office, among others. The conference convened over 800 experts from 14 countries across South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
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Photo credit: Thai Health
Dr Ailan Li, WHO Representative to Thailand delivered the opening remarks on behalf of WHO South East Asia Region. She underscored that physical activity is much more than a fitness goal—it is a cornerstone of public health.
“It helps prevent noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It supports mental health, enhances quality of life, and fosters social connection across generations and communities,” she said.
Dr Li highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action across sectors using systems approach, noting that nearly two-thirds of adults in South-East Asia are not active enough, with women, older adults, and youth particularly affected.
She urged a shift from “exercise” to “active living”—making movement part of everyday life through walking, cycling, dancing, sports, and even household chores. Dr Li mentioned the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030 (GAPPA) as a strategic framework for countries and the WHO Southeast Asia Regional Committee Resolution in 2016 encouraging countries to set national targets, strengthen data systems, and align policies with the Global Action Plan.
She acknowledged SEAPAC as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge and sharing creative, cost-effective solutions that work in real-world settings; and reaffirmed WHO’s sustained partnership with Member States in promoting physical activity.
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Dr Pairoj Saonuam (Deputy CEO of Thai Health and Chair of SEAPAC 2025), Dr Ailan Li (WHO Representative to Thailand) and other senior officials walking the talk on Healthy Active Meeting. Photo credit: Thai Health
Dr Fiona Bull, Head of the Physical Activity Unit at the World Health Organization Headquarters delivered an honorary speech during the opening session “Uniting Movement: A Collective Action for Equitable Opportunities in Physical Activity,” emphasizing the importance of inclusive, evidence-based strategies and the need for collective action to embed physical activity into daily life, urban design, and public policy.
Dr Angela de Silva, SEARO Regional Adviser for Nutrition and Health for Development was the focal person for organizing this event for WHO SEARO. She was the online discussant for the Side Event on the ASEAN Hub Network for Physical Activity, during the first day. She also chaired the Symposium on Physical Activity for Children Under 5 Years on 07 November 2025.
Dr Farzana Akter Dorin, National Professional Officer (Policies for Prevention of NCDs) WHO Bangladesh joined as panelist in a SEAPAC session and highlighted the importance of strong governance, whole-of-school approaches, and supportive community environments to increase physical activity among children. She emphasized the need for improved monitoring systems aligned with GAPPA indicators.
SEAPAC 2025 marks the beginning of a long-term regional collaboration, with plans to develop an ASEAN Physical Activity Roadmap and monitor progress every three years. The event showcased 110 academic papers and fostered a vibrant network of partners committed to building an active, equitable, and sustainable future.