Driving Action on Obesity and NCDs: Taking the right(s) approach

2025 is a pivotal year for the global NCD response. The Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM) of the United Nations General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of NCDs and Mental Health, scheduled for 25th September 2025, presents a crucial opportunity to reassess progress and secure political commitments to drive action.

Obesity remains under-prioritised globally, in national health systems and policy frameworks. As the world grapples with the escalating NCD crisis, addressing obesity must be at the core of an effective and sustainable response. Many of the same policies to prevent and manage obesity will also help reduce NCDs, making action on obesity a double-duty (‘win-win’) strategy for healthier lives. The upcoming HLM must finally acknowledge obesity as a critical priority within the NCD response and translate this into concrete commitments.

The Global Obesity Coalition will convene voices from governments, UN agencies, lived experience, civil society, and academia. A diverse range of up to 100 participants will be invited including policymakers, patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, civil society advocates and young people attending WHA78.

The Global Obesity Coalition will be hosting a breakfast event on the side-lines of the 78th World Health Assembly on Tuesday 20 May 2025 in Geneva. Register now to attend this event which will take place at the Graduate Institute, Geneva (IHEID) from 07:15 – 09:30 CEST.

Building on the World Obesity Day 2025 campaign, which highlighted the importance of changing systems in addressing obesity and NCDs, this event will explore the systemic actions needed across different sectors through the lens of human rights; including rights to health (equitable access to services), children’s right to play and healthy environments, to safe and nutritious food, to clean, healthy, and sustainable environments, to rest and leisure, and the right to non-discrimination (stigma).