WHO Global Coordination Mechanism (GCM) Participants Gathering

As part of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA79) held in Geneva, the Second WHO Global Coordination Mechanism (GCM) Participants Gathering took place on 19 May 2026 as an official side event. The hybrid gathering brought together more than 80 representatives from Member States, civil society organizations, people with lived experience, and WHO experts to strengthen global collaboration on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and well-being.

Held as a biannual forum, the GCM Participants Gathering provides a platform for WHO teams, GCM participants, people with lived experience, and strategic partners to engage in open dialogue, exchange knowledge and good practices, strengthen collaboration, and identify opportunities for joint action to advance the global agenda on NCDs and mental health.

Mrs. Ikram Eseghir, President of NABD-BC2 Association, was pleased to be invited to participate virtually in the gathering, joining stakeholders from around the world in discussions on advancing the implementation of the 2025 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs and strengthening partnerships to improve health outcomes for people living with NCDs.

The event focused on supporting countries in implementing the 2025 United Nations Political Declaration on NCDs through strengthened multisectoral governance, improved access to essential medicines and medical devices, the development of a new WHO Global Monitoring Framework for NCDs, and enhanced collaboration to advance disability inclusion, health equity, and rehabilitation. Throughout the discussions, participants highlighted the critical role of civil society organizations and people with lived experience in shaping health policies, driving accountability, and strengthening resilient, people-centered health systems.

Participating in this global dialogue was a valuable opportunity to stay informed about emerging international priorities, exchange knowledge and experiences with partners from around the world, and contribute to discussions shaping the future of the global NCD response. The gathering reinforced our commitment to advocating for equitable, patient-centered healthcare and ensuring that the voices of people with lived experience (PWLE) are meaningfully represented in national, regional, and global decision-making. It also created new opportunities to strengthen collaboration with international partners working to improve access to quality healthcare, reduce health inequities, and achieve better outcomes for people living with noncommunicable diseases.