The full agenda can be found
here.
Registration for in-person attendance is mandatory
here.
Please note that if you do not complete registration through this link, you will not be included on the attendee list on the day.As part of the Global Brain Coalition, 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, 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. 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 disease burden. In fact, as of 2024, neurological conditions alone are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide.
To work towards explicit and tangible next steps in solidifying global efforts in addressing the burden and overall brain health, this two-day event will showcase the importance and urgency of prioritizing brain health across all policies at the international 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 the wider brain community – scientific, clinical, economic, industry – and other relevant actors will meet to present their work and co-create 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 in 2024 when 64 countries worldwide have hosted or will host significant 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 scheduled in 2025.
The days will focus on three key areas through presentations, guided panel discussions and interactive discussions:
- 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.
