WHO develops normative guidance to enable, promote and protect opportunities for more physical activity, by more people, across all ages and abilities, to enhance physical and mental health and well-being. The following documents are foundational to all other work on physical activity.

The WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 outlines a framework of 20 effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels. Collective action aims to achieve the global target of a 15% (relative) reduction in the prevalence of physical inactivity by 2030. This document was a response to requests for global leadership and stronger regional and national coordination, and the need for a whole-of-society response to achieve a paradigm shift in both supporting and valuing all people being regularly active, according to ability and across the life course. The plan was developed through a worldwide consultation process involving governments and key stakeholders across multiple sectors including health, sports, transport, urban design, civil society, academia, and the private sector. It was endorsed by all Member States through a resolution at the World Health Assembly in 2018

The WHO Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour and the Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep for children under age 5 provide evidence-based public health recommendations across the life course on the amount (frequency, intensity, and duration) and types of physical activity required to for the greatest health benefits.. Additionally, recommendations are provided on the associations between sedentary behaviour and health outcomes, as well as for subpopulations, such as pregnant and postpartum women, and people living with chronic conditions or disability