BELGRADE / ONLINE – As part of its ongoing international commitment to public health, the Association Sport for All Serbia successfully organized a specialized webinar focused on Healthy Lifestyles within the framework of the HEPA-O project.

The webinar aimed to raise awareness among educators about the critical role of physical activity in combating modern health epidemics and fostering a proactive school environment.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. Dušan Mitić, a prominent expert in the field of sports science and helath. Prof. Mitić addressed the pressing global health challenges of the 21st century, with a specific focus on: 

• The sedentary crisis: The long-term negative effects of a desk-bound lifestyle on both teachers and students.
• Technological dependency: Managing the balance between digital engagement and physical movement.
• Chronic disease prevention: Strategies to combat the rise of diabetes and cardiovascular issues through regular physical activity.

To ensure that our external collaborator from European Physical Education Association – EUPEA can actively participate and benefit from the insights, the presentation and technical discussions were supported in English, ensuring high inclusivity and a clear understanding of the scientific aspects among the international consortium. The session was moderated by Marina Vukotić, with the participation of the associate Marija Ugrica Radovanović. 

Building on the core mission of the HEPA-O project, the webinar reinforced the idea that educators are “change agents.” By equipping teachers with theoretical knowledge about public health, the project enables them to better understand the why behind the practical 12-week training cycles previously implemented.

This webinar is one of several key international activities designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday classroom practice. By integrating health literacy into the professional development of teachers, the HEPA-O project continues to pave the way for a sustainable culture of movement that extends far beyond the gymnasium, reaching into the heart of the educational system. 

The HEPA-O project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority.