Regular physical activity has well-documented health benefits – both physical and mental. Societies that are well equipped and well organised for physical activity will offer more opportunities to be physically active in everyday life and leisure – making an important contribution to a more socially equitable distribution of conditions for health and quality of life. This will also contribute to the three strategic priorities of the Nordic vision: a green Nordic Region, a competitive Nordic Region, and a socially sustainable Nordic Region.
The purpose of the network is to strengthen Nordic collaboration to increase physical activity in a health promotion, social and multi-sectoral perspective. The network aims to contribute to the efficient use of resources and ensure that knowledge and experiences of work to increase physical activity in the countries is more easily shared across the Nordic region, so that we can learn from each other to a greater extent and work more efficiently.
Based on a sharing of experiences and knowledge, the network has the potential to strengthen knowledge and capacity around physical activity. Through the topics discussed and initiatives that may be launched nationally, the network will be able to contribute to reducing social inequality, creating more social justice, preventing physical and mental illness, increasing productivity and resource utilisation, and contributing to the green transition in the countries. The network will thus contribute actively to the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030. Increased physical activity could also contribute to achieving many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, such as the goals of quality education, economic growth, sustainable cities, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, climate action, and health and well-being.
- Sharing of experiences and learning examples about the work in the individual Nordic countries. This may, for example, be across or within not only monodisciplinary and interdisciplinary work, but also cross-sectoral work of the sectors on issues such as planning, mobility, monitoring, implementation, recommendations, effective measures, communication, innovation, digitalisation, research and international collaboration.
- Discuss challenges and opportunities in work to strengthen physical activity and contribute to increased awareness of these across the Nordic countries.
Sweden
- Marita Friberg, Public Health Agency of Sweden
- Örjan Ekblom, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (GIH)
Iceland
- Hildur Guðný Ásgeirsdóttir, Directorate of Health
- Arna Steinarsdóttir, Development Centre for Primary Healthcare, Primary Health Care of the Capital Area
Finland
- Mari Miettinen, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM)
- Jouni Lahti, Finnish institute for health and welfare (THL)
- Tommi Vasankari, UKK Institute
Norway
- Olov Belander, The Norwegian Directorate of Health
- Øystein Tveite, The Norwegian Directorate of Health
Denmark
- Lene Vilstrup, Danish Health Authorithy
- Christina Bjørk Petersen, University of Southern Denmark
- Mette Toftager, University of Southern Denmark
Greenland
Åland Islands
- Knut Lönnroth, Government of Åland
As an element of Norway’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2022, the first digital Nordic conference on physical activity was held. The conference came about through a collaboration between several Nordic countries. Work on the conference created a basis for strengthening Nordic collaboration on physical activity. At their meeting in autumn 2022, the countries made a decision at the Committee of Senior Officials for Health and Social Affairs (EK-S) to establish a Nordic network to continue strengthening Nordic collaboration on physical activity.
In mid-2023, EK-S approved the network’s mandate for the period 2023-2025. The presidency of the network mirrors the presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Expert meeting on children and young people’s health and well-being – Focus on physical activity within the school sector
The Nordic network for physical activity played an active role in the expert meeting on children and young people’s health and well-being focusing on physical activity within the school sector that was arranged in May 2025. The meeting was jointly hosted by the Swedish and Finnish public health authorities and responsible ministries in response to the two countries declaration to deepen the collaboration in several key sectors of society.
The primary aim of the meeting was to facilitate the exchange of experiences among Nordic and Baltic countries on improving the health and well-being of children and young people. Highlighting concerns over low physical activity levels and excessive sedentary behaviour, the meeting focused on enhancing health-promoting and preventive measures. Strategies and best practices that can strengthen policy development within the school sector, with the aim of promoting physical activity and equitable health were discussed.
Take home messages
The results of the expert meeting have been summarised in the meeting report Expert meeting on children and young people’s health and well-being – Focused on physical activity within the school sector and include the following recommendations:
- Emphasize physical activity’s impact on academic achievement and cognitive function in decision-making. Consider broader societal framing (mental health, wellbeing) and its connection to academic outcomes. Align with policy instruments and law of education to elevate physical activity as a formal priority.
- Implement a whole-school physical activity plan with clear roles and responsibilities. Provide comprehensive training and resources for all teachers. Integrate physical activity into multiple subjects and everyday routines, not just recess or physical education. Build a robust evaluation system to track progress and share results publicly. Secure consistent funding and time allocation, with cross-level coordination (local to national).
- Develop a communication strategy to convey the benefits of physical activity to students, families, and communities, reinforcing the rationale for cross-curricular movement and policy commitments.
- Strengthen the collaboration in the Nordic/Baltic region and learn from each other.
