In 2008, 31% of the world's adult population was found to be physically inactive. Insufficient physical activity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for mortality contributing to 6% of global deaths. Physical inactivity also has major implications on the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer and their risk factors: raised blood pressure, raised blood sugar and overweight. Currently, of every 10 deaths, 6 are attributable to NCDs and the World Health Organization (WHO) has projected this to increase by 15% globally between 2010 and 2020. In response to the growing burden of NCDs in 2004, the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health was adopted by the World Health Assembly. With the aim to reduce the impact of the major risk factors for NCDs, including physical inactivity, and as a follow-up of the UN High Level Meeting on NCDs, in 2013 the World Health Assembly endorsed the Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2020 which provides the road maps for Member States and other stakeholders to take a coordinated action at all levels. Raising levels of physical activity requires countries to develop and implement a combination of policies aimed at informing, motivating and supporting individuals and communities to be active. Multi-targeted approaches to encourage walking and cycling, create healthier commuting and leisure activities are some of the actions required to attain the global target of a 10% relative reduction in prevalence of insufficient physical activity and a 25% reduction in premature mortality from NCDs by 2025.