Restoring Meaning, Ambition and Impact to Alcohol Policy

Restoring Meaning, Ambition and Impact to Alcohol Policy

On September 25, 2025 Heads of State and Government will meet at the UN General Assembly to set a new global vision for NCDs prevention and mental health promotion - through what is meant to be an ambitious and achievable Political Declaration.

But Movendi’s analysis reveals a serious threat: Alcohol industry interference has quietly erased proven, cost-effective alcohol policy solutions from the declaration - despite alcohol being the leading risk factor for death and disease among young people worldwide.

📣 The silence has been broken. Countries still disagree. And we have a crucial window of opportunity to make our voices heard.

The ...

On September 25, 2025 Heads of State and Government will meet at the UN General Assembly to set a new global vision for NCDs prevention and mental health promotion - through what is meant to be an ambitious and achievable Political Declaration.

But Movendi’s analysis reveals a serious threat: Alcohol industry interference has quietly erased proven, cost-effective alcohol policy solutions from the declaration - despite alcohol being the leading risk factor for death and disease among young people worldwide.

📣 The silence has been broken. Countries still disagree. And we have a crucial window of opportunity to make our voices heard.

The third revision of the UN Political Declaration reintroduces references to two alcohol policy measures. But it still falls far short of what is needed - ignoring WHO-endorsed solutions global evidence and the commitments Member States themselves adopted just three years ago.

Why This Matters Now

If countries are serious about accelerating NCDs prevention and promoting mental health they must restore clarity coherence and scientific integrity to how alcohol harm and policy is addressed.

We have outlined six concrete, constructive changes that governments can make to bring alcohol policy back into focus.

💬 We invite you to email your country’s Permanent Mission in New York to encourage them to adopt these changes - and help restore meaning, ambition, and impact to the UN Political Declaration.

Click here to see our latest analysis and the six concrete constructive recommendations.

Read here to find out all about the HLM4 on NCDs and about Movendi's analysis.

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Restore meaning, ambition and impact to alcohol policy

Why This Matters Now

If countries are serious about accelerating NCDs prevention and promoting mental health they must restore clarity coherence and scientific integrity to how alcohol harm and policy is addressed.

We have outlined six concrete, constructive changes that governments can make to bring alcohol policy back into focus.

6 Key Fixes to Strengthen the Declaration 

  • Use accurate language

  • Complete §43(f): Keep best buys and add missing SAFER measures

  • Add treatment: Include screening and brief interventions in health service scale-up

  • Restore tax target: Reinsert the 80% excise tax goal for alcohol and tobacco

  • Protect policymaking: Add language on industry interference and commercial determinants.

  • Accelerate action: Align with the Global Alcohol Action Plan and add fast-track commitment

💬 We invite you to email your country’s Permanent Mission in New York to encourage them to adopt these changes - and help restore meaning, ambition, and impact to the UN Political Declaration.

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Email Tips +

 ✍️ Tips for Personalizing Your Email

 

Personalizing your message will make it more powerful and more likely to be read. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

 

  1. Introduce yourself - Say who you are, where you live, and why you care about NCD prevention and mental health.

    Example: “I am a teacher from [City] and I see every day how alcohol harm affects young people in my community.”
  2. Add a personal reason - Share a short story, experience, or observation about alcohol harm or prevention in your country.

    Example: “My country has seen the benefits of higher alcohol taxes in reducing harm and raising funds for health.”
  3. Be respectful but clear - Diplomats respond better to constructive, polite messages that still call for action.

  4. Emphasize urgency - Mention that negotiations are happening now and there is a chance to make a difference.

  5. End with a clear ask - Reinforce that you want them to support the six improvements in the political declaration.

💡 Even adding just 2–3 sentences of your own words at the start or in the middle makes a big difference. Personal stories stand out among many similar emails and help decision-makers remember your message. 

If you have more time, you could translate the message into your language 

3. Make your email count