The International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) is pleased to announce that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will serve as a co-sponsor of the ISPAH Congress 2026, taking place in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, from 5-8 October.
The ISPAH Congress is the leading global forum for advancing physical activity and health. Every two years, it brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, advocates, and community leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, share evidence, build partnerships, and inspire action toward healthier and more equitable societies.
PAHO’s involvement reflects a shared commitment to advancing physical activity as a public health priority and addressing the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases across the Americas. Through this collaboration, we hope to create new opportunities for knowledge exchange, regional engagement, and meaningful dialogue on the policies, systems, programs, and environments that support active living.
The 2026 ISPAH Congress is particularly significant as it marks ISPAH’s first congress in a Spanish-speaking country. Under the theme, “Going Global for Local Impact: Towards a Comprehensive Equity Approach to Physical Activity and Health,” delegates will explore how global evidence, local knowledge, and cross-sector collaboration can work together to advance physical activity and health equity worldwide.
Hosted at the Yucatán International Congress Center in Mérida, Mexico, in partnership with our local hosts, the Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP), Mexico, and the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), USA, the Congress will welcome delegates from across the globe for four days of scientific exchange, professional development, networking, and collaboration. We look forward to bringing together colleagues from diverse disciplines, sectors, and regions to share experiences and strengthen collective efforts to create a more active and healthier world.
For more information about the ISPAH Congress 2026, including registration, scientific programming, and travel information, visit https://ispah.org/congress-2026/.
As part of this collaboration, ISPAH and PAHO will co-host a webinar, Going Global for Local Impact: A Preview of ISPAH Congress 2026, on 9 July 2026 from 1:00–2:00 PM ET. The webinar will provide a preview of key Congress themes and speakers, including keynote speaker Professor Ulf Ekelund (Norwegian School of Sport Sciences), and will feature presentations and discussion with Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall (ISPAH President), Dr. Vanessa I. Garcia-Larsen (PAHO), Associate Professor Deborah Salvo (UT Austin), and Dr. Alejandra Jáuregui (INSP). Participants will also learn more about the Congress programme, registration opportunities, and the late-breaking abstract call, which is open from 22 June to 17 July 2026.
Registration for this webinar is now open, and Spanish interpretation will be offered.
