New York, USA – September 2025

At the 2025 Global Obesity Forum, held on the sidelines of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health, Kenyan health advocate Ogweno Stephen took center stage as he moderated one of the event’s most anticipated sessions , a high-level ministerial panel on country and global action to address the obesity epidemic.

The Global Obesity Forum, co-hosted by the World Obesity Federation, World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, gathered ministers of health, researchers, and global advocates united by a common mission: tackling one of the most urgent health challenges of our time. With more than 1 billion people currently living with obesity, and projections suggesting nearly 4 billion people will be affected by obesity or overweight by 2035, the stakes have never been higher.

A Panel on Global Action and Leadership

In his role as moderator, Ogweno Stephen , a global NCD advocate and founder of the Stowelink Foundation in Kenya , led a compelling conversation with key global health leaders, including Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Secretary of Health (Philippines); Ms. Eirini Agapidaki, Alternate Minister of Health (Greece); and Prof. Mohamed Hassany, Assistant Minister of Health and Population (Egypt).

The discussion explored how countries are taking decisive, home-grown actions to address obesity through primary health care, policy reform, and multi-sectoral collaboration. Egypt shared how obesity services are now being integrated into universal health coverage. Greece outlined its commitment to childhood obesity prevention, offering free nutrition counselling and access to healthy food and sports. Meanwhile, the Philippines showcased efforts to redesign cities for healthier living, regulating ultra-processed food environments and promoting prevention-focused urban planning.

A Call for Global Cooperation

While national progress is evident, the panelists agreed that global coordination is essential. The discussion reinforced the importance of the WHO Acceleration Plan to Stop Obesity and celebrated the upcoming UN Group of Friends on Obesity Prevention and Control, co-chaired by Greece and Seychelles, as a step toward sustained political commitment.

Adding a powerful close, Dr. Ramiro López Elizalde, Vice Minister of Health of Mexico, spoke about the human and economic toll of obesity:

“Obesity is an epidemic of our time, an epidemic that breaks bodies and economies and deepens inequality. Obesity does not wait. Our people cannot wait either.”

Ogweno Stephen: A Voice for Lived Experience

As a Kenyan health advocate, Ogweno Stephen brought to the global stage a lived experience perspective , bridging the gap between policy and people. His advocacy emphasizes the importance of inclusive action, ensuring that those living with obesity and other NCDs have a seat at the decision-making table.

Through his work with Stowelink Foundation, Ogweno has pioneered digital health education, creative media engagement, and youth-led innovations that strengthen community health literacy and primary health care in Kenya. His voice at the Global Obesity Forum not only represented Kenya but also symbolized Africa’s growing influence in shaping the future of global health.

A Step Toward a Healthier Future

Reflecting on the discussions, Ogweno Stephen remarked,

“This forum was about hope and action , countries are showing that with courage and collaboration, we can rewrite the story of obesity and health.”

As the world prepares for the next High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage in 2027, the insights shared at the Global Obesity Forum mark a defining step toward a more inclusive, coordinated, and equitable global health response.