With children in Europe getting heavier and less active, Governments across the EU have declared childhood obesity as one of Europe’s most pressing public health challenges. Chronically overweight individuals face a number of serious health, social and psychological challenges with their quality of life being adversely affected. Obesity increases the risk of a person developing serious illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and strokes. According to a study conducted in Sweden (2011), pregnant women who are obese expose their children to a higher risk of developing obesity-related diseases such as asthma. The risk, therefore, of obesity-related diseases in children can be reduced by examining mothers’ behaviour around a child’s birth.According to the European Commission, some 22 million children in the EU are considered overweight or obese, with the numbers growing by 400,000 per year. A report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) showed that 13.3% of EU children aged 11-15 are overweight or obese, with numbers rising for boys in all countries, while declining slightly for girls in Ireland and Britain.The EU has a pivotal role to play in dealing with these challenges through its food safety, public health, education and research policies. Whilst officials have recognised the threat by promoting healthy eating campaigns and specialised events, these measures alone are not effective enough. Communities and governments alike need to act to curb the epidemic. More can be done to raise awareness, especially by improving health education in schools.To identify the underlying social causes of obesity and their common risk factors, WHO/Europe commissioned a review of the social determinants of health throughout all 53 Member States, due to be completed this year. This review will provide scientific evidence and a framework for future action to help develop a new health policy for the Region. Furthermore, WHO/Europe supports activities at country and international level to implement the WHO European Action Plan for Food and Nutrition Policy 2007-2012. For this purpose, action networks have been set up consisting of groups of Member States that have taken the lead in addressing particular challenges, such as reducing salt intake and reducing marketing pressure on children.Public Policy Exchange welcomes the participation of all partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.