Location: New York, USA

Stowelink Foundation was honored to play a leading role in the 2025 Global Obesity Forum, held alongside the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health. Representing the Foundation, Ogweno Stephen moderated one of the forum’s central sessions — a ministerial panel on country and global actions to tackle the obesity epidemic.

Co-hosted by the World Obesity Federation (WOF), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, the event brought together health ministers, researchers, and advocates to accelerate global cooperation on obesity prevention and control.

Driving Country-Led Action and Collaboration

The session featured global health leaders including Dr. Teodoro Herbosa (Philippines), Ms. Eirini Agapidaki (Greece), and Prof. Mohamed Hassany (Egypt), each sharing national strategies to integrate obesity services into primary health care and universal health coverage frameworks.

Discussions highlighted innovative approaches such as urban design for healthy living, free nutrition programs for children, and multi-sector reforms that address the social and environmental drivers of obesity.

A Voice for Lived Experience and Community Innovation

Representing Stowelink Foundation, Ogweno Stephen emphasized the importance of inclusive decision-making that centers people living with NCDs. He showcased Stowelink’s pioneering work in digital health education, creative media advocacy, and youth engagement, which have strengthened community health literacy across Kenya and the African region.

Shaping a Healthier Future

The forum reaffirmed the urgency of addressing obesity as a global health crisis that intersects with equity, economy, and opportunity. Stowelink Foundation remains committed to supporting global cooperation and community-led solutions that ensure prevention and care are accessible to all.