International Conference “Exercise is Medicine” 2025- Physical activity for Health: Policies and best practices, which was held in Athens on October 10–12 under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports, the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, all the Departments of Physical Education and Sports Science in the country, and the Hellenic Olympic Committee, was a landmark event for the promotion of physical activity as a key pillar of public health strategies.

This year’s conference was attended by prominent representatives of institutional bodies and leading figures from a wide range of fields, including exercise and health, education, and technology. The proceedings included the annual (2025) Meeting of European National Exercise Is Medicine Centers, with an impressive turnout of more than 25 representatives from 11 European countries, as well as leaders of the Global Exercise Is Medicine Movement.

Through fruitful, international, and interdisciplinary interaction, the Conference highlighted how physical activity can be integrated into global and national health strategies, primary and secondary health care, and education at all levels as an institutionalized health promotion intervention.

Its five thematic sections — from linking physical activity to healthcare, the use of technology and artificial intelligence, and the role of exercise professionals in the global Exercise is Medicine initiative, to promoting physical activity among children, adolescents, and older adults—highlighted international best practices and innovative approaches for integrating exercise into national health programs.

With the presence of national representatives from universities and organizations abroad, and the active participation of scientists, institutional bodies, professionals, and students, this international conference highlighted that physical activity is not just a lifestyle choice, but a fundamental component of public health policies, and confirmed Greece’s leading role in the global “Exercise is Medicine” network.

A particularly significant and symbolic event was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the National Center “Exercise is Medicine-Greece” and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), represented by Professor Athanasia Smyrniotou, Member of the NKUA Board of Directors.