Policymakers and professionals gather in Brussels for three-day symposium focusing on the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

By Amanda Beard
29th June 2022

Project partners, stakeholders, and experts from across Europe gathered in Brussels for a three-day symposium held from 14th – 16th June 2022.

 

The “Policy Symposium on NCD Prevention: Future directions for nutrition and physical activity policies” was held jointly by the JPI-HDHL project PEN,  the H2020 projects STOP and CO-CREATE and Joint Action (JA) Best-ReMaP. The symposium addressed how obesity is a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial disease, and the main risk factor for several other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Photo 27-06-2022, 15 16 00 (1)
NCD Prevention Audience

Over 200 people travelled across Europe to attend the three-day symposium including attendees travelling from Slovenia, Finland and the Netherlands. 

The symposium consisted of 14 parallel sessions organised across the three days, where over 80 speakers, including representatives from the World Health Organisation, DG Santé, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in Finland, discussed a range of topical points.  These included youth involvement in policymaking, the systems approach, fiscal policies and public procurement.

Panellists at the NCD Prevention Symposium

Amongst the parallel sessions, the core element of the symposium took place on the 2nd day, which brought together policymakers and experts working in nutrition and physical activity, to present and discuss recommendations for optimal policy implementation to promote healthy diets, physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour across Europe. 

Minerva was commissioned to co-organise and manage the event by the main organiser – Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS – from the PEN project and support the delivery of a seamless and enjoyable experience for all organisers, speakers and delegates, at the venue and post event.

“As experts in event management, Minerva recognises the importance of planning, preparation and regular liaison with all parties involved prior to, during and post the event”, Minerva Director, Rhonda Smith explains.

“We were delighted to share our expertise to support the delivery of the symposium and look forward to hearing about further developments in this important area of health”, Rhonda continues.

Minerva’s Senior Account Executive, Molly Burchell adds: “This was a unique opportunity for four projects to come together,  present and share their latest research. It was a fascinating event which generated lots of interesting questions and discussions. I hope to be involved in more collaborative project events in the future.”

If your organisation, association, society or charity are looking for an experienced event management team please get in touch via email at info@minervacomms.net.