The scientific and institutional opening of Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 brings together an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional field of dialogue among scientists, policymakers, health bodies, sports organisations, universities, European organisations and representatives of civil society. The Symposium connects public health and prevention with exercise, nutrition and healthy ageing, as well as inclusion and equality with the natural environment, climate resilience and the sustainable development of mountain communities.
The Symposium concludes with the Closing #BeActive Panel (16:30–17:10), followed by the Closing Ceremony (17:10–17:30), bringing together the key themes and perspectives of the programme and marking the conclusion of the scientific and institutional programme of Mountain Games Cyprus 2026.
Under the auspices of the Minister of Health
08:30–09:15 Arrival and registration
09:15–09:45 Mountain Games Cyprus 2026 Opening Ceremony
09:45–10:00 Opening of the Mountain Games International Symposium – Opening remarks by Prof. Ioannis Fatouros
10:00–10:25 Keynote Address – Prof. Yiannis Koutedakis – “Healthy, Active and Resilient Societies: Reconnecting Modern Lifestyles with Human Biology”
10:25–10:40 Break · Official Mountain Games 2026 Photo
10:40–11:45 Panel Discussion 1 – Physical Activity, Public Health and the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases
11:45–12:00 Break · Arrival of the President of the House of Representatives
12:00–13:25 High-Level Policy Forum – Inclusion, Equality and Wellbeing through Sport and Physical Activity
12:00–12:05 Introduction
12:05–12:20 Address by the President of the House of Representatives
12:20–13:25 Panel Discussion 2
13:25–14:25 Mediterranean welcome lunch for the community of partner organisations – in the presence of the President of the House of Representatives
14:25–14:30 Introduction
14:30–14:50 Address by Prof. Ioannis Fatouros – “Physical Activity through the Life Course: From Childhood to Active and Healthy Ageing”
14:50–15:55 Panel Discussion 3 – Mountains, People, Nature and Climate Resilience: Healthy lifestyles and outdoor physical activity in a changing environment
15:55–16:10 Break · Meet the Experts
16:10–16:15 Introduction
16:15–16:30 Address by Zoltan Szerdahelyi – “Creative Pathways to Inclusion”
16:30–17:10 Closing Panel Discussion – #BeActive: Health and Active Lifestyles in Mountain Communities
17:10–17:30 Closing Ceremony – Presentation of commemorative gifts · acknowledgements · next steps · official close