Format: Hybrid event: Instituto Cervantes; Live-streamed globally from New York, USA.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 70% of global deaths and disproportionately affect refugees, migrants, and displaced populations. These groups often face barriers to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and continuity of care. These challenges are intensified by displacement, social and economic inequities, and climate-related risks. With over 1 billion people on the move today, ensuring their inclusion in the 2025 Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health is critical to advancing equity, Universal Health Coverage, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
This high-level side event, held on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, will bring together representatives from Member States, UN agencies, and non-state actors to highlight evidence, share best practices, and strengthen collective support for inclusive, rights-based, and evidence-informed approaches to NCD and mental health care, while catalyzing political commitment to migrant- and refugee-inclusive strategies.
The is event is co-hosted by Spain, Egypt, WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM, and IFRC.
Agenda
Moderated by Dr Revati Phalkey. Director, United Nations University
Opening and keynote speakers
H.E. Dr Mónica García Gómez. Minister of Health, Spain
H.E. Professor Mohamed Hassany. Assistant Minister of Health and Population for Public Health Initiatives, Egypt
Mrs Ugochi Daniels. Deputy Director General for Operations, International Organization for Migration
Dr Jeremy Farrar. Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Care, World Health Organization
Mr Rauf Mazou. Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Dr Younis Al-Khatib. President of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society
Panel discussion
Chakira. UNICEF Youth Advocate
Dr Santino Severoni. Head, Special Initiative on Health and Migration, World Health Organization
Dr Poonam Dhavan. Director, Migration Health Division, International Organization for Migration
Mrs Helga Fogstad. Director of Health Programmes, UNICEF
Ms Amal Ireifij. Director General, Royal Health Awareness Society, Jordan
Final reflections
Dr Santino Severoni. Head, Special Initiative on Health and Migration, World Health Organization
Participation Details
Registration is open to all. In-person attendance is limited and by confirmation only.
The event will be live-streamed globally via Zoom on 25 September 2025, 8:00am EDT