On October 31st 2025, the Active Children Coalition (ACC) was launched at the MOVE Congress in Denmark – a coalition that is dedicated to reversing the alarming trend of physical inactivity among children and adolescents worldwide. We are proud to share that the World Playground Research Institute, alongside the Research Unit Active Living, both hosted at the University of Southern Denmark, are one of the founding members.
The official launch took place at the MOVE Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark, the largest international conference focused on promoting recreational sport and health-enhancing physical activity, hosted by ISCA – International Sport and Culture Association and DGI (Danish Gymnastics and Sports Associations).
The founding members of ACC are:
International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA), International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH), the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI), Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA), Cities for Better Health (Novo Nordisk), and the University of Southern Denmark.
Why the coalition matters
With 81% of adolescents globally not meeting recommended physical activity levels, the world faces a growing public health crisis.
The coalition is built on the belief that no single sector can solve this challenge alone. Schools, sports clubs, urban planners, civil society, and commercial partners must all work together to create environments that support movement and play for every child.
“Children deserve to be happy and healthy. Providing good opportunities for them to play and be active is essential – and by working together, we can make that happen,” says our Head of Centre, Professor Jasper Schipperijn.
The ACC is designed to be a dynamic collaborative platform that connects individuals and organisations across disciplines and geographies to:
- Inform through digital channels, reports, and social media.
- Inspire with real-world case studies and innovative resources.
- Implement new, collaborative projects.
- Engage through online meetings, in-person events like the MOVE Congress 2025, ISPAH Congress 2026, and working groups.
- Advocate for aligned messaging across sectors and disciplines, and for policy change.
- Connect diverse partners to drive innovation and collective impact.
Everybody can join!
The ACC urges individuals, organizations, and institutions worldwide to take action.
Visit https://activechildrencoalition.org/about/ to learn more, sign up for updates, and explore how you can contribute to a healthier, more active future for children everywhere.
