Global Leaders Unite to Tackle NCDs and Mental Health
In a landmark gathering on 25 September 2025, the United Nations General Assembly in New York witnessed Heads of States and Governments coming together to redefine the global response to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health. This high-level meeting, referred to as HLM4, signals a pivotal moment for world leaders as they vow to forge an ambitious Political Declaration focused on NCD prevention, control, and mental health promotion against the backdrop of 2030 and beyond.
A Milestone Initiative
HLM4 highlights a decennial chance to address the widening chasm in health equity caused by underinvestment in healthcare services. The anticipated Political Declaration, underpinned by evidence, human rights, and a determination to reshape health systems, aims to reverse the off-track trajectory towards SDG target 3.4—reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one third.
Strategic Vision towards 2030
The Declaration promises to accelerate global prevention and control initiatives, necessitating a concerted effort from Member States, global partners, and stakeholders. According to World Health Organization (WHO), this urgent call to action underscores the notion that NCDs and mental health are no longer isolated health system issues but are deeply intertwined with socio-economic, commercial, and environmental drivers.
Collaborative Call from WHO
Ahead of the meeting, the World Health Organization (WHO) has challenged countries, NGOs, UN agencies, and citizens to unite in support of this transformative vision. Together, they must create inclusive and sustainable frameworks that propel the world towards holistic health and well-being.
The Path Forward
As the world stands at a crossroads, HLM4 signifies a collective step towards acknowledging and dismantling the barriers hindering NCD and mental health responses. By focusing on inclusive dialogue and sustainable actions, global leaders have the potential to produce systemic change that resonates across generations, ensuring a healthier, more equitable future.
In this era of unprecedented challenges, the global community’s resolve to tackle these issues, as demonstrated at the UN Assembly, provides hope and inspiration for what is to come in the shared journey toward comprehensive health and well-being.
