Held on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA79), this high-level panel event will explore how recent global commitments can be translated into concrete action in a rapidly evolving health landscape. Bringing together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across sectors, the event will examine key opportunities to accelerate progress on NCDs, including mental health and neurological conditions, in 2026 and beyond.

Speakers

• Leslie Rae Ferat, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Tobacco Control
• Dr Richard Horton - Moderator, Editor-in-Chief, The Lancet
• Dr Teodoro J. Herbosa, 30th Secretary of Health of the Philippines, Government of the Philippines
• Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Hon Minister of Health, Ghana, Ghana Ministry of Health
• Dr Yosuke Kita, Director, Global Health Strategy Division, International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
• Anders Nordström, Advisor, Advocate, Activist and former Ambassador for Global Health, Karolinska institutet
• Valerie Wehner, Head of Global Partnerships and Government Affairs EMEA, Vantive
• Dr Vuyiseka Dubula, Head of the Community, Rights and Gender Department, Global Fund