The European Brain Council (EBC), Brain Capital Alliance, Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and UNICEF will host a two-day, high-level side event at the 79^th United Nations General Assembly, in collaboration with partner organizations, in the framework of the Science Summit at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York City on 19-20 September 2024 at Cure.

In line with the Science Summit’s core focus of examining policy, regulatory and financial environments needed to  implement and sustain the science mechanisms required to support global scientific collaborations and demonstrate the role and contribution of science in attaining the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, the two-day event will highlight existing partnerships and the immense potential and benefits of extending global collaboration in the brain space, for science, policymaking, and society as a whole.

Brain disorders – encompassing neurological diseases and disorders and mental illnesses – are widespread, disabling, and difficult to treat. In fact, it is estimated that up to three billion people worldwide live with a neurological condition and 970 million people around the world were living with a mental health disorder as of 2019. These conditions represent a high individual, social and economic burden and contribute immensely to the global burden of disease – in fact, as of 2024, neurological conditions alone are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.

With this growing burden in mind, we need to not only find ways to address the ongoing issues but to work towards a society fully recognizing the potential of supporting citizens’ brain health. At its best, optimal brain health allows people to thrive: to live in health and in happiness, to power our labor markets and economies, and to build for future generations. Instead of divesting in a cost, policymakers and society at large should view the prioritization and support of brain health, research, and innovation as an investment into prevention, wellness, and optimization, creating a better future for every citizen of the world.

To work towards explicit and tangible next steps in solidifying global efforts in brain health, EBC proposes a two-day event, which will showcase the importance and urgency of prioritizing brain health across all policies at the global level and build on the Call to Action launched during last year’s event. Addressing the immense global burden of brain disorders means investing in research and innovation in the brain health space to power our understanding of the brain, stay ahead in the quest to find treatment and cures and work to prevent any further increase in the prevalence of these conditions. Furthermore, at the socio-economic level, policies and investments to boost brain power can increase productivity, stimulate greater creativity and economic dynamism, afford social cohesion, and create a more resilient, adaptable, and sustainability-engaged populace.

Key stakeholders from across the wider brain community – scientific, clinical, economic, industry – and other relevant actors will meet to present on their work and co-create towards further action to place brain health at the top of global policy agendas in the post-Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) era. This action is incredibly timely, particularly as we enter 2024, where 64 countries worldwide will host major elections and we are witnessing times of major political, economic, and overall societal shifts and instability. Furthermore, at the global level, the United Nations enters a period of preparation for the future, with the Summit of the Future kicking off during UNGA79 to plan for the post-2030 agenda and a High-Level Conference on NCDs planned in 2025.

The coordinated implementation of national, regional, and global brain health plans and/or strategies, under the leadership of the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP), to better coordinate brain health and overall brain wealth advances across the Global North and Global South is more important than ever before.

We foresee the days examining three key areas, through presentations, guided panel discussions and interactive discussion:

• The challenge, impact and need for action;
• Brain health and society – the brain in the life course;
• Boosting global partnerships, capacity building and investing in neuroscience.

The programme and registration will be shared very soon.