New York, 25 September 2025: Today’s fourth High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (HLM4) saw governments from every region reaffirm their shared commitment to tackling the world’s leading causes of death and disability.

Statement after statement from heads of state and ministers underscored strong support for faster, bolder action—reflecting the vast majority of countries united behind the Political Declaration.

“The unity we saw today proves that most governments are ready to take the baton on NCDs. We stand by the Call to Lead and urge all governments to deliver with national action and accountability,“ said Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance.

The Declaration is not perfect but remains an important step forward for global health. It represents months of negotiation and collaboration among governments and advocacy, with civil society engagement throughout.  

For the first time, governments agreed on targets to track and accelerate the NCD response. Other notable achievements include the Integration of mental health into the Declaration and strong language on access to affordable medicines, technologies and financial protection. Yet despite these gains, the Declaration has shortcomings. It dilutes language on proven, cost-effective prevention measures, omits essential commitments on health taxes, and weakens recognition of the role of civil society — undermining the very accountability that drives progress.

While it is disappointing that a tiny minority of governments voiced their objection to the declaration, they stand isolated. The momentum for accelerated action is growing.

In closing the meeting, the President of the General Assembly recognised the broad support for the text. The Declaration has been referred to the UN General Assembly. This means that it will now move forward through the formal UNGA process for adoption as a resolution in the coming weeks.

Over three million people – united behind the Call to Lead on NCDs– are calling for stronger, faster, fairer action to prevent and control NCDs.

“Millions have spoken — and they are right to demand more. We need committed leadership, clear accountability, and urgent investment to close the gap between commitment and change,” said Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance.

Further information

Michael Kessler
NCD Alliance Media Relations
Mob: +1 934 227 8321
Email: michael.kessler@intoon-media.com

About the NCD Alliance

The NCD Alliance is a registered non-governmental organisation (NGO) based in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated to supporting a world free from preventable suffering, disability and death caused by NCDs. Founded in 2009, NCDA brings together a unique network of over 500 members in more than 100 countries into a respected, united and credible global civil society movement. The movement is unified by the cross-cutting nature of common risk factors including unhealthy diets, alcohol, tobacco, air pollution and physical inactivity, and the system solutions for chronic NCDs such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, mental health and neurological disorders.