Some conferences leave participants with new information.

Others leave them with a renewed sense of purpose.

For Ogweno Stephen, a Kenyan health advocate, public health expert, and global obesity advocate, the International Congress on Obesity (ICO) 2026 in Mexico City was both. As the flagship scientific congress of the World Obesity Federation, ICO 2026 brought together thousands of researchers, clinicians, policymakers, healthcare professionals, advocates, and people living with obesity from around the world to explore the future of obesity prevention, treatment, and policy.

The week became one of the most memorable milestones in Stephen’s advocacy journey. From officially opening the congress to contributing to high-level discussions, connecting with global leaders, and learning from people with lived experience, ICO 2026 demonstrated what is possible when science, policy, and personal stories come together.

Opening a Global Congress

One of the defining moments of the congress came before the scientific programme had fully begun.

Ogweno Stephen had the honour of officially opening the International Congress on Obesity, welcoming delegates from across the world to three days of dialogue, collaboration, and learning.

Standing before a global audience representing every region of the world was both humbling and inspiring.

It was also a reminder of how far the obesity movement has come in recognising the importance of lived experience alongside scientific evidence.

For Stephen, opening the congress represented more than a personal achievement.

It reflected the growing recognition that people living with obesity have an essential role in shaping research, health policy, clinical practice, and advocacy.

Contributing to Conversations That Matter

Throughout the congress, Ogweno Stephen participated in several discussions covering obesity prevention, treatment, health systems, equitable access to care, and the future of global obesity policy.

From speaking about equitable access to obesity medicines in low and middle-income countries to contributing perspectives rooted in lived experience, each session reinforced the importance of bringing together diverse voices.

Researchers shared groundbreaking science.

Clinicians presented the latest advances in treatment.

Governments discussed national policy.

Civil society organizations highlighted community action.

People living with obesity reminded everyone why these conversations matter.

Together, these perspectives created a richer and more complete understanding of obesity as a chronic disease.

The True Power of Lived Experience

Among the many highlights of ICO 2026, one stood above the rest.

The lived experience community.

Advocates from every corner of the world shared deeply personal stories about stigma, resilience, healthcare access, treatment, and hope.

Their experiences brought humanity to discussions that can sometimes become dominated by clinical evidence and policy language.

The voices of people living with obesity reminded delegates that behind every statistic is a person navigating complex health systems, social stigma, and everyday challenges.

For Ogweno Stephen, whose own advocacy is rooted in lived experience, these conversations reinforced why authentic representation matters.

People with lived experience are not simply beneficiaries of health systems.

They are experts in their own lives.

Their perspectives strengthen research, improve policy, and help design healthcare services that better meet people’s needs.

The growing prominence of lived experience throughout ICO 2026 reflected an encouraging shift within the global obesity movement toward more inclusive and person-centred care.

“Science explains obesity. Lived experience explains what it means to live with it. The future of obesity care depends on listening to both.”

Building Global Partnerships

Beyond the conference halls, ICO 2026 created countless opportunities for connection.

Throughout the week, Ogweno Stephen met researchers, clinicians, patient advocates, policymakers, development partners, and representatives from international organizations working across obesity, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), digital health, and public health.

Many of these conversations extended beyond formal sessions.

They happened over coffee, during networking events, in exhibition spaces, and between presentations.

These informal discussions often became the starting point for new ideas, future collaborations, and shared commitments to improving obesity prevention and care across different regions of the world.

For a Kenyan health advocate committed to strengthening health systems across Africa, these relationships are just as valuable as the knowledge shared on stage.

Mexico City Provided the Perfect Setting

ICO 2026 was hosted at the World Trade Center in Mexico City, marking the first time the congress had been held in Mexico. The city provided an exceptional backdrop for global dialogue, combining rich culture, warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that encouraged learning and collaboration.

The conference venue buzzed with energy from morning until evening as delegates moved between scientific sessions, networking events, exhibitions, and collaborative meetings.

The hotel and surrounding area offered a welcoming environment where conversations continued long after the day’s programme had ended.

For many participants, the experience extended far beyond the lecture halls.

It became an opportunity to build friendships, exchange perspectives, and celebrate a shared commitment to improving the lives of people living with obesity.

Looking Ahead

As ICO 2026 came to a close, Ogweno Stephen left Mexico City with more than conference notes and new contacts.

He returned with fresh ideas, stronger partnerships, and renewed determination to continue advancing obesity advocacy across Kenya, Africa, and the global health community.

The congress demonstrated that progress happens when researchers, healthcare professionals, governments, civil society, and people with lived experience work together toward a common goal.

For Stephen, the greatest lesson from ICO 2026 was clear.

Lived experience is no longer an addition to the conversation.

It is helping lead it.

As the global response to obesity continues to evolve, Ogweno Stephen remains committed to ensuring that people living with obesity are recognised not only as recipients of care, but as leaders, partners, and advocates whose voices are essential to building equitable and compassionate health systems.