“Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution” - Why the HLM matters to the Caribbean
In the Caribbean, we’re facing an alarming reality: three in four deaths are linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). And yet, the root causes - particularly obesity - remain neglected in global policy and national responses alike.
The 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs offers a once-in-a-decade opportunity to change that. But only if we make it matter.
Civil society has a vital role to play - not just in advocacy, but in bringing people into the room. Most people don’t know the High-Level Meeting is happening. They don’t know the decisions being made behind closed doors in New York will shape their access to health services, nutritious food, or the right to live free from preventable diseases.
That’s why campaigns like For Half of Humanity are so powerful. Because they return the focus where it belongs: to the people.
At the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, we:
- Worked with our membership to develop 12 Advocacy priorities to unify our advocacy voice and support our CARICOM leaders throughout the negotiation process.
- Within our priorities, we advocate for implementing NCD best practices like formal mechanisms for people’s participation in health decisions - because we must move beyond lip service and other solutions unique to Small Island Developing States like climate-resilient health systems, commercial determinants and safeguarding against COI as described in the 2023 SIDS Bridgetown Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health
- Are engaging directly with ambassadors, CARICOM Permanent missions, and local health leaders to influence the political declaration.
- Are hosting public-facing campaigns and civil society dialogues to keep NCDs on the public and political radar.
We do this work because we believe in it. Because as civil society, we are people organisations. We have four billion reasons to act - each one a life impacted by obesity and NCDs.
This work isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Let’s show the world that when people lead, progress follows.
For half of humanity
Find out how you can join the call for urgent, united action on obesity. Explore resources, key messages, and advocacy tools in our For Half of Humanity campaign toolkit - and help ensure no one is left behind.
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