3rd Physical Activity Almanac

Despite growing recognition of the importance of physical activity, many countries lack the data, policies, and systems needed to drive meaningful change. Recognizing this gap, GoPA! was established in 2012 with the mission of providing a comprehensive global monitoring system for physical activity research, surveillance, and policy, with the ultimate goal of reducing the global burden of mortality and morbidity caused by physical inactivity.

Over the past decade, GoPA! has built an international, independent, evidence-based, dynamic, collaborative, action-oriented, and local-representatives-based surveillance system with a democratic and distributed leadership scheme. It is a collaborative network of researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals committed to advancing physical activity as a public health priority. By collecting, analyzing, and disseminating high-quality data, GoPA! has provided critical insights that inform national strategies, guide policy development, and drive global action. Furthermore, in 2023, GoPA! welcomed the Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) to expand our physical activity monitoring efforts and include children and adolescents. We are excited to continue growing and making an even greater impact in shaping a healthier future for all.

GoPA!’s signature product, the Country Cards, offers a clear snapshot of each country’s progress in promoting physical activity. These resources, alongside GoPA!’s continued efforts to support capacity-building and foster international collaboration, have positioned the Observatory as a leading force in global physical activity surveillance. As GoPA! enters its second decade, it remains committed to evolving, innovating, and expanding its reach to ensure that physical activity becomes a higher priority in public health agendas worldwide.