Healthy RC71
Even if held virtually, the 71st session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe aims to follow the healthy and sustainable meeting model In line with WHO/Europe’s Healthy Meetings initiative.
As virtual meetings entail long days in front of screens, listening to and engaging with delegates, it is more important than ever to focus on the physical and mental well-being of delegates in this virtual set-up.
Next to the decision to hold RC71 briefings and side events on the days following the plenary session, rather than scheduling them during the lunch breaks or in the mornings, proper healthy breaks are scheduled to allow participants to disconnect briefly, take a short walk, or get a healthy snack or drink. In addition, participants will be invited and guided to stretch, breathe deeply and de-stress.
Aware of the different time zones, we are also committed to respecting the scheduled working hours.
WHO Healthy Meetings initiative
The WHO Healthy Meetings initiative is the acknowledgement that meetings are a fundamental part of WHO’s work and workplace culture. They serve as an important time for people to connect in order to communicate, strategize and solve problems effectively. As they may stretch over many hours and days, they can have a direct impact on the health of participants, as well as on the environment. Giving access to healthy foods and beverages, requiring a tobacco-free environment, encouraging physical activity, and focusing on sustainability at meetings provide opportunities to create a culture of health and well-being, and to protect and minimize the impact on the environment.
As part of this initiative and to support colleagues and partners, WHO/Europe has developed a guide for planning healthy and sustainable meetings which is now available in its second edition.
