EU Delegation participates at WHO’s Walk the Talk Event

30.05.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in Geneva

On 26^th May 2024, the World Health Organization organized a healthy kickstart to the 77^th World Health Assembly at Place des Nations. The aim of this event was for participants to either run, walk, or use their wheelchair on 3 or 4 km routes to promote healthy lifestyles. Over 8,000 participants of all ages gathered at this very special sport event.

To show the EU’s support to global health, the European Delegation participated with a dedicated EU stand. Visitors could play basketball and participate in a quiz about the European Union, and receive some EU branded gifts.

Place des Nations in Geneva came alive with musical and dance performances led by Sherrie Silver and her Sherrie Silver Foundation Band, including talented young artists from Rwanda, the Italian percussion band Psycodrummers, and dance, yoga and other warm-up activities organized by the Indian and Indonesian missions in Geneva.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented "Health Champion" awards to Pau Gasol, NBA basketball player and childhood obesity control advocate; World and Olympic 800 metre champion David Rudisha from Kenya; Switzerland’s World and Paralympic Champion Marcel Hug; International Paralympics Committee President Andrew Parsons; and UK Paralympic Champion and disability and inclusivity advocate Susannah Rodgers.

Ministers Chris Tufton of Jamaica and Anne Rabbitte of Ireland, and leaders in universal health coverage, youth tobacco control, immunization and other areas of health spoke at a session dedicated to the advancement of "Health for All".

At least 8000 participants ran, walked or used their wheelchairs on the 3 km and 4.2 km routes. The enthusiasm and commitment of the participants were palpable, each contributing to promoting health and well-being for all.