Final Registration Deadline: 25.8.2026
HEPA EUROPE 2026 CONFERENCE
8 – 10 September 2026
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Green Pathways to Health
Integrating Green Spaces and 24-Hour Movement Behaviours for Combating NCDs.
IMPORTANT DATES
Welcome
2026 HEPA Conference will focus on the synergy between green spaces and the paradigm of 24-hour movement behaviour to enhance public health and combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders etc.. Green spaces offer accessible environments that encourage physical activity, reduce sedentary behaviour, and promote overall well-being by fostering a stronger connection with nature. Their restorative qualities, such as stress reduction and mental relaxation, further contribute to healthier sleep patterns, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep as vital components of health and well-being within a 24-hour cycle.
The conference will emphasise the role of green spaces in promoting physical and mental health, reducing stress, enhancing cognitive function, and improving air quality. It will highlight the importance of including green spaces in urban planning to support sustainable health initiatives and encourage active lifestyles through equal accessibility and costless opportunities for HEPA. By combining HEPA strategies with the principles of 24-hour movement behaviours, the conference will advocate for innovative, holistic policies and practices aimed at fostering healthier communities and effectively combating NCDs.
The host
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is regarded as a logistically stress-free destination – its compact size allows walking between most venues, hotels and sights of interest. It is built to the human scale, has a personal touch and is imbued in green and distinguished by an attractive historic quarter with a cosy, lounge-style feel. With 45,000 university students on a population of 295,000, Ljubljana has a young, creative vibe. Ljubljana has been named European Green Capital – EGC 2016.
The organiser
The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ)
The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) is Slovenia’s central public health institution, dedicated to improving population health and wellbeing through evidence-based policies, comprehensive health promotion, disease prevention, and strong cross-sector collaboration. NIJZ monitors population health, evaluates the healthcare system, identifies emerging public health challenges, and develops professional foundations for health-friendly policies and programmes.
NIJZ is actively involved in numerous international projects, contributing to innovative public health solutions and advancing research, education, and the training of public health professionals.
Event venues
The event will take place at different venues around Ljubljana. Click the button below to find out more.
Accommodation
The event will take place at different venues around Ljubljana. Click the button below to find out more.
Invitation to HEPA Europe 2026
Proud host of HEPA 2026 Conference
with partners
