On World Diabetes Day, José Luis Castro, The Union’s Executive Director and Chair of the NCD Alliance, speaks of working together to ensure all those living with NCDs live full, healthy lives.
Speaking at the Global NCD Alliance’s inaugural ceremony, taking place in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Mr Castro said:
“We are at a critical moment in humankind’s response to the NCD epidemic. Two months ago, as you know, world leaders adopted Agenda 2030 at the United Nations. Its Sustainable Development Goals include, for the first time ever, non-communicable disease targets.
“With this landmark action, for which we all worked so tirelessly, the focus now shifts. It pivots from global policymaking to implementation at the national and regional levels.
“Following our victory at the United Nations, this change presents new challenges. To begin facing them - to build momentum and capacity - we convene this Forum around the theme ‘NCD Advocacy and Accountability in the Post-2015 Era.’
“We have been advancing towards this moment for six years. We are united by the vision of a future in which all people affected by—or living with—NCDs live full, healthy lives: free from stigma, discrimination and preventable disability or death.
“We are today a network of 2,000 civil society organisations from 170 countries. We are a strong and growing alliance.
“We convened this Global Forum because it has repeatedly been proven that civil society makes valuable, effective contributions in global health. That already is, and will continue to be the case with respect to NCDs. It is complex role for us, not to be underestimated. It is also an important responsibility.
“When this Forum concludes, I anticipate we will head home with a clear vision and understanding of our direction and next steps – as a global Alliance, and as a growing network of national and regional NCD alliances.
“We will be stronger advocates. Newly energised and better informed leaders, infused with ideas. We will be closer allies. We will be closer to our goal.”
Learn more about the NCD Alliance.