World Active unveils charter and manifesto ahead of inaugural FIBO meeting

World Active - the new representative group representing the fitness and physical activity sector around the globe - has announced the finalisation of its charter, which it plans to adopt at its inaugural general assembly in April as part of its first physical meeting at the FIBO Global Fitness convention in the German city of Cologne.

Launched in June 2022 as the World Active Forum, a global federation for the health, fitness and physical activity sector, the charter will act as the organisation's founding document, defining scope, structure, governance and purpose.

The FIBO gathering of World Active members - expected to see representatives from more than 40 worldwide trade associations and professional registers take part - will be opened by Dr Fiona Bull, Head of the Physical Activity Unit at the World Health Organization, indicating the new body's purpose of uniting the industry to better connect with governments and NGOs.

World Active, which looks to serve as a "transparent and inclusive, representative body to exchange best practices, enhance collaboration with international institutions, such as the World Health Organization", advised in statement that it “brings together stakeholders from all continents to debate the industry’s common opportunities and challenges, speak with a unified voice, and promote health and well-being worldwide through collaboration and innovation.

"The Charter and Manifesto of World Active, which outlines its core values, principles, decision-making procedures and objectives, have been prepared for formal adaptation at the first General Assembly of World Active on 13th April in Cologne.

"These two founding documents are meant to serve as the formal framework for World Active as the global representative body grows into a formalised industry federation.

"The Charter is a founding document that defines the scope, structure and governance of World Active, and the Manifesto sets out key strategic priorities, objectives and actions of World Active towards 2030."

During the event at FIBO, World Active’s members will also elect the organisation's leadership for the coming year.

On the second day, industry leaders including Steven Ward, GO fit's Chief Transformation Officer and former Chief Executive of ukactive; Philip Mills, founder and Executive Director of Les Mills and Nerio Alessandri, Technogym’s President and founder will present their ideas and vision for the future of World Active and the industry.

Click here to find out more about World Active and its membership.

Image credits: Shutterstock (top) and FIBO (middle and below).