News [11/17/2006 ]         A European Charter on Counteracting Obesity has been signed at the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Ministerial Conference on Counteracting Obesity in Istanbul. WFA advocated global marketers' interests at the event, amongst representatives from international and non-governmental organizations.  The European Charter, signed on behalf of EU Member States, recognises that action is needed from all areas, but in relation to marketing communications states: “Specific regulatory measures should include the adoption of regulations to substantially reduce the extent and impact of commercial promotion of energy-dense food and beverages, particularly to children, with the development of international approaches, such as a code on marketing to children in this area.” The Charter focuses on a framework for action to reverse the obesity epidemic by 2015, declaring that visible results should be achievable within “the next 4-5 years … in most countries.” In mentioning the principal role that the European Union should play in using EU-wide legislation and public health initiatives, the Charter makes reference to the European Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health as being a part of this role. As a founder member of the EU Platform, WFA continues to support its work through a series of voluntary commitments for action during 2006-7. Within their framework for action, WHO acknowledges that the focus should be on ensuring an optimal energy balance by stimulating a healthier diet and physical activity. Similarly, WHO states that the focus should shift to a portfolio of interventions designed to change the social, economic and physical environment to favour active lifestyles. As it stands, WHO will develop the Charter into a European Action plan for national adoption.  WFA continues to monitor the key outputs from the event and will update members on developments via the Responsible Advertising and Children Programme and the Healthy Lifestyles Task Force. The full Charter can be found here. The speaking notes from WFA's intervention at the Ministerial Conference can be found below. If you need more information please contact w.gilroy@wfanet.org Documents: FINALIstanbul_MP.pdf  (.pdf file, size 122.919 kb)