World Stroke Organization at the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs

07 Oct 2025

The Global Stroke Action Coalition (GSAC), convened by the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and the Business Council for International Understanding, hosted a high-level side event titled “Every Minute Counts” on the eve of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

This impactful gathering brought together Ministers and senior officials from eight countries, stroke professions, stroke survivors, representatives from funding agencies, and industry leaders. J. Pandian, B. Norrving and S. Martins participated in the round table discussion on behalf of the WSO and as chairs of the GSAC. The discussion focused on the global stroke burden, current challenges, recent advancements, and critical policy priorities. This collaboration reflects the growing recognition of stroke within the global NCD policy landscape and a shared commitment to sustaining momentum and progress.

WSO at the UN High-Level Meeting

J. Pandian and M. Grupper participated in the official UN High-Level Meeting, where Ms Grupper had the honour of delivering a statement on behalf of WSO and GSAC. In her remarks, she welcomed the Political Declaration of the Fourth High-Level Meeting on NCDs (HLM4) and commended the inclusion of measurable targets, which offer a solid foundation for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.4 and 3.8.

She also called upon Member States to:

Prioritize stroke in national NCD strategies
Develop and implement National Stroke Action Plans to enhance prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation
Explore innovative financing mechanisms, including taxation of health-harming products

The Political Declaration was endorsed by the vast majority of countries. While not perfect, it represents a meaningful step forward for global health. It is the result of months of negotiation and collaboration among governments, civil society, and advocacy organizations.

Progress and Challenges Ahead with the political declaration

There are many positives to highlight. Governments agreed on global targets to monitor and accelerate NCD responses. The Declaration also strengthens commitments on mental health integration, access to affordable medicines and technologies, and financial protection.

However, significant gaps remain. The Declaration weakens language on proven, cost-effective prevention strategies, omits essential commitments to health taxation, and fails to fully recognize the crucial role of civil society in driving accountability and progress.

Though a small number of countries voiced objections, they were isolated. The broader momentum for accelerated action on NCDs is undeniable. The next step is to formalize the Political Declaration through a vote and this will probably happen later this month.

WSO, alongside partners in the Global Stroke Action Coalition, stands ready to support governments in translating commitments into concrete action on stroke as part of their strategic NCD response. With effective and affordable solutions available across the care continuum, the time to act is now!

Looking Ahead

Throughout the week, WSO leadership actively engaged in numerous high-level side events and held insightful discussions with colleagues across the global NCD community. We left New York energized and optimistic, inspired by the unwavering commitment of stakeholders to drive progress on stroke and NCDs, despite the complex global context.

We are especially encouraged to see stroke gradually gaining the attention it deserves on the global health agenda. WSO remains firmly committed to supporting the implementation of the Political Declaration and to working with governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector to advance our shared goals.

Read the full statement here

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