New York, 24 September 2025 – On the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, global leaders, advocates, and experts convened at the Edison Ballroom in New York for Beyond HLM4: Leading the Post-2025 NCD Agenda.
The high-level event, co-hosted by the governments of Indonesia, Norway, Thailand, and Uruguay, and organised by the NCD Alliance, brought together more than 200 participants from government, multilateral organisations, civil society, academia, philanthropy, and the private sector.
Timed on the eve of the 4th UN High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on NCDs and Mental Health, the evening provided a moment to reflect on the soon to be adopted Political Declaration and chart the next phase of action against the world’s leading causes of death and disability.
Setting the Stage
Welcoming guests, Leslie Rae Ferat, President of the NCD Alliance, underscored the importance of the HLM process:
“This week of the HLM is the apex of many years of work. The political declaration that will be approved by governments at the HLM is a step forward. But it is far from perfect. It is what we do with this declaration next, and how we maintain the political momentum created, that matters now.”
Political Leadership
Keynotes from the co-host governments reinforced global commitment:
H.E. Mr. Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, Minister of International Development of Norway:
“Norway will continue supporting capacities in LMICs to achieve Universal Health Coverage. We wanted more ambition [referring to the UNHLM4 Political Declaration] but let’s work together to accelerate action and reduce the unfair burden of NCDs and mental health”.
Mr. Bonanza Perwira Taihitu, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Health of Indonesia:
“The Political Declaration sets the bar for us to do better, and this is its essence. For Indonesia, recognising the pressing health challenges, we reaffirm our commitment to advance the Political Declaration into concrete actions”.
Dr. Suthat Chottanapund, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand:
“It is time to move from words to action, with a strong focus on a whole-of-society approach. In Thailand, taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugar are not only reducing consumption but also generating funds to support prevention programmes.”
Lived Experience
Adding a personal dimension, Nick Jonas, singer, actor, and founder of Beyond Type 1, delivered video remarks highlighting his experience with type 1 diabetes and calling for continued advocacy.
“Right now, millions, especially young people, navigate the daily challenges of both diabetes and mental health, often without the support, understanding or access to care that they need. We must do better.”
“Together we can build systems that respond to real needs and create a future where ever person living with diabetes has a chance to thrive”.
Fireside Chat & Panel
A fireside chat with Dr. Jeremy Farrar (WHO) and Ms. Angeli Achrekar (UNAIDS), moderated by Jacqui Thornton, explored the links between HIV, NCDs, mental health, and other health priorities.
Dr. Jeremy Farrar (WHO):
“What truly matters is how governments act on the Political Declaration within their own jurisdictions. We would have liked to see a stronger push on the social and commercial determinants of health, including taxation in certain areas. Unfortunately, industry influence held this back. This is precisely where governments –alongside civil society- have a critical role to play”.
Ms Angeli Achrekar, Deputy Executive Director (Unaids):
"We view the 2026 UN HLM on HIV/AIDs as a key opportunity to generate lessons from the 2025 HLM. Our focus is on ensuring that the global AIDS strategy incorporates NCD targets, so that the HIV agenda advances integrated care and builds stronger connections with the NCD and mental health agendas.”
The panel discussion, “What needs doing, and how do we get it done?”, featured:
- Dr. Yosuke Kita (Japan)
- Dr. Raji Tajudeen (Africa CDC)
- Dr. David Watkins (University of Washington)
- Lucía Feito Allonca (Our Views, Our Voices)
- Jane Burston (Clean Air Fund)
Speakers examined access to medicines, financing gaps, climate-health intersections, and the importance of civil society and lived experience.
Short films showcased grassroots leadership in Malawi and India, centering the voices of advocates and communities
Concluding the evening, Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance, called for a shift from commitments to concrete action:
“The very fact that 194 governments are showing up at the highest political level at UN HQ to make statements on NCDs and approve a new declaration with targets and commitments is in itself a step forward. But we cannot afford any more delays, backsliding or inertia. We need to put every ounce of energy and collective action into ensuring that by 2031 more people are living healthier, longer lives without suffering or pain.”
As the world prepares for the 2026 HLM on HIV/AIDS, the 2027 HLM on Universal Health Coverage, and the next NCD and Mental Health HLM in 2031, the call for urgent, coordinated action has never been louder.
Main picture caption: Lived experience NCD advocate Lucia Feito speaking at a panel at NCDA's flagship event at UNGA80.