Download the NCD Alliance Proposed Outcomes Document for the UN High-Level Summit here.
KEY MESSAGES:
1. Governments around the world have agreed to hold a United Nations High Level Summit (UNS) on 19-20th September 2011 in New York which will be attended by UN member state Heads of State and Heads of Government. This Summit has the potential to change the world for those living with NCDs, but only if the meeting results in measurable commitments to take action.
2. Governments will issue an action oriented Outcomes Document at the conclusion of the Summit which will address NCDs globally. The NCD Alliance, as the unique global voice representing those living with or affected by NCDs, has issued a Proposed Outcomes Document containing national and global targets for NCDs which we believe would represent a successful Summit.
3. The NCD Alliance needs your help if the UNS is to fulfil its potential and set the groundwork for a global movement that saves millions of lives each year. We need you to send the NCD Alliance Proposed Outcomes Document to your senior government leaders and to raise awareness by holding events, building partnerships, informing the media and the public, and taking national leadership.
INTRODUCTION: THE UN HIGH-LEVEL SUMMIT
What is the UN High-Level Summit?
The UN General Assembly, the principal decision-making body of the UN which represent all UN member states, has agreed to hold a UN High-Level Summit (UNS) on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in order to bring global attention to these diseases and agree on a plan of action to address them. The meeting will take place at UN Headquarters in New York on 19-20th September 2011 before the opening of the main UN General Assembly Session on 21st September.
Why is it important?
The UNS is the biggest and best opportunity to put NCDs on the global agenda. It has the potential to secure commitment from Heads of Government for a coordinated global response to NCDs, substantially increase financial resources for NCDs and save millions from premature death and debilitating health complications.
THE NCD ALLIANCE PROPOSED OUTCOMES DOCUMENT
What is an Outcomes Document?
UN High-Level Summits often conclude with agreement by UN member states to take a series of actions to address a particular global problem. These can take the form of Chairs Statements, Declarations or Outcomes Documents. For the UNS in September 2011, UN member states have committed to agreeing to an ‘action orientated outcomes document’ (the strongest possible agreement) which will include national and global targets on the global NCD pandemic that governments will commit to achieving.
Why is it important?
While not binding under international law, an outcomes document is considered one of the most powerful tools within the UN for international cooperation and action. If commitments within an outcomes document are backed up by accountability and monitoring mechanisms, regular progress reviews, and the necessary resources (international and domestic), an outcomes document can be a powerful global political tool that produces significant progress on the issues under consideration, as demonstrated by past outcomes documents on HIV/AIDS and other development priorities.
What is the NCD Alliance Proposed Outcomes Document?
The NCD Alliance Proposed Outcomes Document contains the target and goals that we are asking UN member states to commit to achieving at the conclusion of the UNS. The culmination of 5 months of consultations with leading experts, patients and NCD organizations, the NCD Alliance Outcomes Document is landmark milestone in the global fights against NCDs that contains 34 priority global NCD targets under 8 categories: leadership, prevention, diagnostics and treatment, health systems, resources, research, human rights / vulnerability and monitoring / follow up.
Why has the NCD Alliance completed a Proposed Outcomes Document?
The NCD Alliance is the only global organization that has over 900 member associations across the world that focus exclusively on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, and over 1500 organizations in its extended network. As a result, the NCD Alliance has an important stake in ensuring the UN Summit produces concrete change and has legitimacy to issue such a statement as a global voice of those living with or affected by NCDs. Our aim with this document is to ensure that government commitments are converted into action which can be measured and monitored and reverse the NCD epidemic which kills 35 million people every year.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. Between now and the UNS, country missions to the UN in New York will negotiate the UNS Outcome Document which will be adopted in September. Build relationships with like-minded NGOs and use the NCD Alliance Outcomes Document as the basis for your discussions and engagement. You may also wish to expand or adapt NCD Alliance targets at national level. Civil society has a vital role to play in shaping the outcomes of the UNS and the NCD Alliance Proposed Outcomes Document will serve as a core reference document for civil society engagement.
2. Send the NCD Alliance Proposed Outcomes Document to your Head of State and request their attendance at the UNS. Their attendance is essential to ensure the meeting achieves the highest level of political support and attracts the world’s attention.
3. Urge your government to include representatives of civil society in their delegations to the UNS. You can contact other organizations in your country to develop a common strategy for this advocacy effort.
4. Influence your government’s participation at the UNS by shaping their statements prior to the meeting. It is vital that the unique perspectives and experience of the civil society sector are included in these preparations and deliberations.