Brain disorders — neurological and mental alike — remain among the greatest and fastest-growing challenges facing societies worldwide. Together, they affect billions of people, constitute the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, and exert profound impacts on health systems, economic resilience, education, productivity and social cohesion. As populations age, demographic and workforce pressures intensify, and societies navigate rapid technological and social transformation, the imperative to advance brain health across the life course has never been clearer. Increasingly, brain health is being recognised not only as a health and research issue, but as a societal, economic and development priority central to human capital and sustainable development.

Momentum is building. In recent years, brain health has gained growing recognition in global and regional policy agendas — from its increasing visibility within discussions on non-communicable diseases, to its emergence in debates on neurotechnology, brain capital and its socioeconomic repercussions on current and future generations. Major developments such as the launch of the European Partnership for Brain Health, growing discussions on the brain economy at the World Economic Forum and G7/G20 levels, the expansion of national brain strategies, and the rise of new global coalitions and research initiatives all point to a field entering a new phase of maturity and ambition. The initiatives and collaborations catalysed during the Brain Days at UNGA80 further reinforced this momentum, underscoring the value of sustained international dialogue and coordinated action.

This growing traction comes at a critical time. The coming years will be decisive in shaping the post-SDG agenda, the UN’s emerging vision for the future, and broader global governance frameworks for health, innovation and sustainable development. It is in this broader context that the Brain Days at UNGA81 will again serve as a platform to bring together policymakers, scientists, innovators, patient advocates, funders and international organisations to help advance a shared global agenda. Brain Days will take place on 23rd & 24th of September, 2026, at Cure. in New York City. Structured around two interconnected pillars, this year’s event will explore global collaboration in brain health research and innovation — including funding, science diplomacy and international partnerships — and the broader societal and policy dimensions of brain health, including brain capital, prevention, resilience and pathways towards greater recognition at United Nations level. Building on discussions initiated in previous editions while looking firmly ahead, the event will aim not only to showcase progress, but to create a space for active discussion and catalyse concrete next steps for collective action.

The programme and registration will open soon!