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 hosted 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 highlighted 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.

To work towards explicit and tangible next steps in solidifying global efforts in addressing the burden and overall brain health, this two-day event showcased the importance and urgency of prioritizing brain health across all policies at the global level and build on the Call to Action launched at UNGA78. 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 met 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 was incredibly timely, particularly in 2024, where 64 countries worldwide are hosting 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 days focused on 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.

Topics touched on throughout the two days showcased just how relevant the brain and brain health is to society, not only in terms of burden of disease, healthcare and research, but also touching key issues such as the built environment, school-centred care, neuroscience in policymaking and judiciary decision making, neurotechnology and so much more. Watch the full event recording on YouTube the follow key moments, panel discussions and presentations from the high-level conference, including a Keynote Address by the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul.

Read our Press Release announcing the formation of the Global Brain Coalition.