Celebrating the 2025 Global Diabetes Walk Campaign: Stepping Forward for Diabetes Awareness
Communities worldwide unite in November through walks, screenings, and advocacy to advance diabetes awareness and healthier, more inclusive workplaces.
This November, the Global Diabetes Walk once again brought together people from around the globe, uniting around a common goal: taking steps for a healthier future for all.
Reflecting on the 2025 Global Diabetes Walk, we’re reminded of what’s possible when people unite for a shared purpose. Building on previous years, thousands of Walk ambassadors, organisers and participants across continents joined forces to raise awareness of diabetes and promote healthier lifestyles. Despite challenges in many countries, it was heartening to see such widespread participation.
Spotlight on Regions & Largest Walks
With over 200 registered Walks and more than 145,000 participants spanning over 60 countries, the campaign’s impact was truly global. The largest Walks in their respective regions were:
- Africa: Somalia Diabetes Management and Information Center, Somalia – 2,500 participants
- Europe: Georgia Red Cross Society, Georgia – 20,000 participants from 220 villages and 10 towns and cities nationwide
- Middle East and North Africa: Riaz Diabetes Research Center, Pakistan – 1,000 participants
- South-East Asia: Bhadrak Diabetes Foundation, India – 400 participants
- North America and the Caribbean: St. Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association, Saint Lucia – 1,500 participants
- South and Central America: Fundación Vida Nueva, Colombia – 50,000 participants walking in 10 districts (departamentos)
- Western Pacific: Center for Health and Social Development (HSD), Cambodia – 2,500 participants
Around the World: A Snapshot of Diverse Walks
From schools and NGOs to universities and clinics, the Global Diabetes Walk brought together a wide range of organisers. The examples below are only a small selection from the 200+ registered walks worldwide, chosen to reflect different settings, geographies, and community engagements.
- Australia: Epsom Primary School, 400 participants
- Jordan: Nourishing Jordan, 300 participants
- Argentina: Programa Sanjuanino de Diabetes (PROSADIA), 200 participants
- Indonesia: Faculty of Nursing and Public Health, Universitas Prima Nusantara Bukittinggi, 100 participants
- Sudan: Nasreldeen Diabetic Center Atbara, 50 participants
The remarkable efforts of everyone stand as a testament to the energy and engagement of local communities—even in the face of challenges.
As usual, most Walks and related health activities took place on 14 November, celebrated globally as World Diabetes Day (WDD). The campaign theme this year focused on ‘’Diabetes and the workplace’’.
Diabetes and the Workplace
Many walks were inspired by the 2025 theme. Organisations such as our ambassador, the Nepal Development Society, organised large-scale walks in Nepal and shared practical strategies for strengthening diabetes awareness and building more inclusive workplaces.
Another ambassador from Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Shabeen Naz Masood of Fatima Bai Hospital, led a walk featuring healthcare professionals, with the motivating slogan: “10,000 steps a day keeps diabetes away.”
A particular highlight of this year’s campaign was the strong participation from Novo Nordisk, WDF’s main donor. Through the NovoHealth ambassador network, the company mobilised approximately 4,000 participants across 14 countries. The largest gatherings took place in China, with 1,000 employees, and in Vietnam, with 520.
Each of these initiatives serve as vibrant demonstrations of commitment to employee well-being and collective solidarity in advancing diabetes awareness within the workplace.
Newcomers and Returning Champions
This year, several organisations joined the Global Diabetes Walk for the first time, including Montage Health, a nonprofit healthcare organisation based in Monterey, California, Stop Diabetes Foundation from Ghana and the Initiative Le Diabète Nous Concerne Tous/ Diabetes Affects Everyone from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their participation highlights the expanding reach and collective spirit of the Walk.
The Danish Diabetes Association also reaffirmed its commitment by supporting the campaign for a second consecutive year. The Association’s walking groups organized around 20 walking events across Denmark. Paamiut, Greenland, participated for the first time, marking the campaign’s debut in Greenland.
We were also pleased to see the return of organisations such as Piramal Swasthya, a subsidiary of Piramal Foundation, in India. Their renewed involvement underscores the enduring commitment of longstanding partners to diabetes awareness and community health.
Additionally, we commend all organisers who demonstrated unwavering dedication in the face of challenges. Their dedication in finding alternative ways to participate reaffirm that the Global Diabetes Walk campaign encompasses more than footsteps: every effort to raise awareness counts.
Beyond the Walk: Diverse Awareness Activities
Organisers offered health screenings and educational events, helping people who might not otherwise receive support or information about diabetes. For some, these activities provided their first opportunity to ask questions and connect with others facing similar challenges.
‘When communities, NGOs, and governments collaborate through the Walk, we create a unified, powerful force for awareness and advocacy that drives fundamental improvements in diabetes care.’ - Lina Tarazi, the Royal Health Awareness Society.
The Royal Health Awareness Society, the Walk’s Ambassador in Jordan, implemented various engagement tactics to mobilise the public and activate local communities. In addition to a high-level symposium marking the launch of the National Type 1 Diabetes Registry and a large-scale awareness walk, their efforts included screening sessions, counselling booths, and targeted outreach to schools and health centres.
Another Walk Ambassador, the Physical Activity Association of Tanzania, conducted a workplace training session focused on physical activity and wellbeing. This initiative was organised and funded by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with key stakeholders, reflecting a strong, cross-sector commitment to workplace health.
Beyond their nationwide “Move for Life, Stop Diabetes” Walk that engaged more than 35,000 community members, the Walk’s Ambassador Red Cross Society of Georgia marked the days around World Diabetes Day by organising meetings with key stakeholders and decision-makers to advocate for improved access to diabetes care.
The Ethiopian Diabetes Association alongside their WDD commemoration week in Addis Ababa, included a press release event, advocacy-focused panel discussions, mass screening campaigns across multiple sites, awareness activities through various platforms, and children’s carnival, and they also celebrated WDD in the capital of the Afar Region.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, our Ambassador, the Centre d’Appui à la Promotion de la Santé organised a conference to mark WDD. The event highlighted the importance of building inclusive work environments that are free from stigmatisation and discrimination.
Looking forward: Walking Together in 2026
We are deeply inspired by the momentum, resilience, and passion shown by our global community. Each step taken, every event organised, and all voices raised are moving us closer to a world where diabetes is better understood, prevented, and managed.
To every organisation and individuals who led walks this year, thank you for your commitment. Your efforts continue to make a difference in the lives of those at risk or living with diabetes.
We look forward to Walking with you again in 2026!