FDI and Lion Corporation have signed a global partnership agreement for World Oral Health Day (WOHD), beginning in 2027. The agreement was formalized on 5 October 2026 during an official signing ceremony at Lion’s headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, attended by FDI President Assist. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov.

The ceremony brought together representatives from both organizations, including Lion President and CEO Masayuki Takemori, marking the start of a new collaboration to promote better oral health and encourage positive oral health habits worldwide.

Bringing Generation Smile to the world

During the ceremony, Assist. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov presented FDI’s mission and global activities, emphasizing the role of partnerships in advancing oral health. He also introduced Generation Smile – the oral health movement for all, FDI’s new three-year WOHD campaign for 2027–2029.

Launched in September at the FDI World Dental Congress in Prague, Generation Smile seeks to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds in a global movement for better oral health.

“With Generation Smile, we want to give people a shared space to say: my oral health matters, and caring for it matters too. We want to create a movement for lifelong oral health – because oral health has the power to change lives, and everyone can be part of that change,” said Assist. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov, President of FDI.

With nearly 3.7 billion people worldwide affected by oral diseases, many of which are preventable, he underscored the need for collective action. Generation Smile aims to turn awareness into action, empowering individuals and communities to adopt positive oral health habits throughout life.

Welcoming Lion as a new global partner, Assist. Prof. Dr Nikolai Sharkov added:

“As we launch Generation Smile, we are delighted to welcome Lion Corp. as a global partner. Its long-standing work to advance prevention and positive oral health behaviours across Asia strongly aligns with FDI’s vision of a world with optimal oral health. Together, we can take the campaign’s message further, inspiring people everywhere to make their oral health a priority and advancing better health and well-being for all.”

Building on a shared history

The partnership brings together FDI’s global network of dental associations and professionals with Lion’s expertise in oral care and strong presence across Asia, creating opportunities to extend the reach and impact of oral health promotion initiatives regionally and worldwide.

The agreement also builds on an existing relationship between the two organizations. Lion previously supported FDI as a Diamond Exhibition Sponsor at the 2025 FDI World Dental Congress and endorsed FDI Tobacco Cessation project.

FDI looks forward to working with Lion to deliver Generation Smile and inspire more people to make oral health a priority.