In late April, NCD advocates from around the world gathered in New York to recharge their efforts and meet with their countries’ representatives ahead of the fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health (HLM4). At HLM4, countries will renew their commitments to stopping the world’s biggest killer, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), from claiming 43 million lives every year. The Multi-Stakeholder Hearing on 2 May marks a milestone in global advocacy efforts, offering civil society an opportunity to voice its concerns and priorities to decision-makers ahead of HLM4.

"Member States are listening, and civil society is driving the conversation," said NCD Alliance CEO Katie Dain, addressing advocates ahead of the Hearing.

On the sidelines, advocates are promoting The Call To Lead among their country missions at the UN. This open letter, developed by NCD civil society — including people living with NCDs — urges governments to prioritise the implementation of NCD policies. Backed by around 2.5 million people from over 115 countries, it serves as a powerful advocacy tool, uniting civil society worldwide around the shared vision of a more equitable, healthier world.

Key asks include the engagement of communities, especially people living with NCDs, at every stage of decision-making. According to the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement, including people living with NCDs and their caregivers in policy decisions is fundamental to sustainable, equitable development and to achieving NCD-related Sustainable Development Goals.

Civil society in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) has made significant progress in championing the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience in policy decisions that affect them. The 2023 Bridgetown Declaration advocates for a “whole-of-society” approach to tackling challenges like NCDs.

At the Global NCD Alliance Forum earlier this year, Maria O’Brien, a member of the Steering Committee of the WHO Symposium on Meaningful Involvement, spoke with other advocates from SIDS and beyond about shared challenges and opportunities in their advocacy journeys — and their ongoing demands for seats at the decision-making table.

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NCD Voices: SIDS championing NCD prevention

Following remarks by Dr. Samuels, retired Honorary Professor at the Caribbean Institute for Health Research, Johanna Ralston, CEO of the World Obesity Federation, highlighted the leadership shown by SIDS. They have inspired the global NCD civil society community by “being a coal mine” in the fight against NCDs despite having limited resources. Joanna also explained why it’s valuable to have people with lived experience at the table.

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NCD Voices: Expertise, knowledge and passion of lived experience advocates

The messages from SIDS civil society resonate deeply with advocates from other countries and continents. Based on their lived experiences managing NCDs and advocating for change, people worldwide are sharing their priorities ahead of HLM4. For example, Stephen Ogweno, an advocate from Kenya living with NCDs, points out the glaring lack of implementation of past commitments and the accountability gap that must be closed.

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NCD Voices: Change starts from your story

You can join the NCD community in our Call To Lead by signing the open letter here.