UNHLM

  • The UN High-Level Meetings (UNHLMs) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are important global health policy events that have been held since 2011
  • Aim to raise awareness and drive global action on preventing and controlling NCDs.
  • There have been three UNHLMs on NCDs to date, held in 2011, 2014, and 2018. The fourth UNHLM is scheduled for 2025.
  • In 2011, with 34 heads of state and a total of 113 member states in attendance. The 2014 meeting had 64 member states present, while the 2018 UNHLM was attended by 11 heads of state and 84 member states.
  • Outcomes: The meetings result in political declarations and commitments to address NCDs globally.

The Approach

  • Set global targets and indicators for NCD prevention and control
  • Promote multisectoral action and partnerships
  • Encourage national policies and plans to address NCDs
  • Advocate for increased funding and resources for NCD programs
  • Monitor progress towards global NCD targets.

Focus areas:

The UNHLMs address major NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as their risk factors.

Preparatory process

Includes consultations, technical meetings, and negotiations leading up to the main event.

Follow-up:

The meetings establish frameworks for monitoring progress and implementing commitments made during the UNHLMs.

Collective intentions

Build Momentum

Symbolic

Guiding Document

Political Declaration

Regional Engagements in the UNHLM on NCDs:

  • Morocco & Egypt made interventions at one of the NCD UNHLMs.
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has played a significant role in NCD advocacy, hosting the Global NCD Alliance Forum in Sharjah in 2015, 2017, and 2020 under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi.
  • In 2018, Bahrain & UAE were awarded by the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on NCD Prevention and Control for achievements in multisectoral action on NCDs.