As preparations advance for the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), the World Spirits Alliance (WSA) is proud to have joined a coalition of responsible industry actors, led by the Inaternational Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in co-signing a joint letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The letter emphasizes the critical importance of a whole-of-society approach to addressing NCDs and calls for the meaningful inclusion of responsible private sector voices in upcoming policy discussions.

Partnering for Progress on Global Health

Tackling NCDs—such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes—requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly recognize the need for partnerships among governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. At WSA, we firmly believe that open, inclusive, and transparent dialogue is the only way to build effective, science-based solutions that are both sustainable and adaptable to local contexts.

As we approach the 2025 meeting, WSA and our partners are urging global policymakers to:

• Recognize responsible businesses as vital partners in health-focused initiatives.
• Embrace inclusive engagement mechanisms that welcome the contributions of all relevant stakeholders.
• Strengthen evidence-based, balanced policies that acknowledge both the risks of harmful consumption and the benefits of moderation and consumer choice.

Industry’s Role in Sustainable Health Solutions

The global spirits sector is committed to reducing the harmful use of alcohol and supporting policies that promote moderation and responsibility. Through initiatives such as awareness campaigns, consumer education, and strong marketing standards, WSA members have demonstrated the power of collective industry action.

As highlighted in the joint letter, “all responsible actors—governments, civil society, and business—have a role to play” in reducing the burden of NCDs. Excluding legitimate stakeholders undermines the potential for real progress and ignores the resources, innovation, and scale the private sector can bring to public health efforts.

Next Steps

WSA stands ready to engage with UN institutions, Member States, and fellow stakeholders in shaping meaningful solutions that benefit individuals, communities, and health systems around the world. We are committed to working towards a healthier, more equitable future, grounded in partnership, dialogue, and shared accountability.

To read the full joint letter, click here.