One Vision, One Future: Rallying Global Momentum on NCDs for Generations to Come
Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)— encompass a wide spectrum of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health disorders—remain the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 70% of all global deaths. These diseases place a tremendous burden on individuals, families, communities, and health systems. While certain countries have made notable strides in developing policies and interventions to address NCD risk factors (e.g., tobacco taxation, sugar-sweetened beverage regulations), many others still struggle to implement comprehensive and sustainable prevention and control strategies.
The grave impact of NCDs is further magnified in low- and middle-income countries, where approximately four out of five NCD-related deaths occur. Limited health infrastructure, combined with socioeconomic challenges, often hinders the ability of these nations to effectively detect, treat, and manage NCDs. As a result, the global community continues to face rising healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and heightened social and economic inequities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of health threats and the importance of strengthening overall health system resilience. It also brought to light the vulnerability of individuals with NCD comorbidities, as they experienced disproportionately severe outcomes. This reality underscores the urgency to reinforce health services, invest in robust prevention and primary care, and build multisectoral partnerships that can address the root causes of NCDs and their risk factors.
In this context, this proposed United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2025 High-Level Side Event seeks to provide a critical platform for Member States, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to collectively catalyse new commitments aiming at tackling NCDs head-on. By showcasing innovative financing mechanisms and emphasizing evidence-based, data-driven approaches, this event aims to bolster countries’ capacity to advance progress on the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030. The side event will further highlight best practices in policy and service delivery, stimulate cross-sector dialogue, and advocate for greater equity and inclusion in the global NCD response.
The Sultanate of Oman stands as a committed voice in this global movement. Through sustained political will, Oman has prioritized NCD prevention and control as a central pillar of its national health agenda. The country has advanced multisectoral governance structures, integrated NCDs into its broader development strategy, and invested in community-based and primary care interventions. Oman’s leadership in regional and international NCD platforms reflects its dedication to equity, resilience, and innovation in public health.
Underscoring this commitment, Oman will be celebrating the year 2026 as the Year of NCDs. This national initiative aims to galvanize cross-sector action, elevate public awareness, and accelerate the implementation of health-promoting policies and interventions across all levels. It serves as a model of political ownership and public mobilization to advance the global NCD agenda.
Objectives
- Elevate Political Leadership & Commitments
- Highlight success stories particularly as those related to bans on trans fats and the implementation of sugar levy’s prompting governments to scale up proven “Best Buys.”
- Encourage time-bound national targets and dedicated budget allocations for NCD prevention and management.
- Strengthen Accountability & Data Systems
- Examine real-life examples of digital solutions.
- Foster Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
- Spark new cross-sector partnerships between health, finance, agriculture, education, and tech stakeholders.