Advancing Progress on Health and Chronic Conditions in a Time of Polycrisis
What an inspiring day at the University of Melbourne on Friday 21 November, where more than 70 leaders, advocates, and young voices came together to explore how global commitments can be transformed into real action. The discussions spanned NCDs, climate change, mental health challenges, and the power of a life-course approach.
We were privileged to hear from a diverse group of experts and advocates—from international organisations, academia, government, and youth leadership. Each voice added depth to the conversation on NCDs, climate, and equity. The day was filled with insights, challenges, and innovative solutions from global experts. These conversations underscored that technical solutions alone aren’t enough: governance, accountability, and political will are key.
Keynote speaker Dato' Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, NCD Alliance said: "The real work is turning global commitments into actions".
21 year old Khalid Muse, CALM YOUTH AU, said his "why" is inspired by the inequities he saw in his local community growing up.
"Let's Be Real" - was his catch-cry that echoed throughout the day. Khalid called for true representation which acknowledges the intersectionality of poverty, race, class and policy's effects on NCDs and mental health on children and young people.
All speakers shared valuable insights, challenges, and innovative solutions.
Sessions covered:
- Keynote: The Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health – Opportunities for Action and regional priorities
- Session 1: The Global Landscape. Theme: The UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health and its Political Declaration—what’s at stake?
- Session 2: From Declaration to Implementation Theme: How can we put this into practice in Australia and beyond?
- Session 3: NCDs, Climate Change & the Lifecourse Theme: Building cross-sectoral momentum
A full report is coming in early 2026. Watch this space!
A huge thank you to all of our esteemed speakers – see speaker bios here.
Dato' Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, National Cancer Society of Malaysia; Dr Cary Adams, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC); Krystal Millar, DFAT; Prof. Rob Moodie, University of Melbourne; Khalid Muse, CALM Youth; Lisa Stevens, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Shane McArdle MPH, Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI); Evan Bletcher, The World Bank; Margaret Asinimbu, National Department of Health PNG; Dr Selina Namchee Lo, Australian Global Health Alliance; Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, UICC; Prof Susan Sawyer, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI); Laura Downey, The George Institute for Global Health; Delphina Taoa Kerslake, McCabe Centre; Tan Kwang Cheak, Singapore Cancer Society; Prof. Sanchia Aranda AM, VCCC Alliance.
Thanks also to Wurundjeri Man Willy Xiberras welcome to country; Chair: Hayley Jones (McCabe Centre); Moderators: Lucy Westerman (University of Melbourne), Veronica Le Nevez (The George Institute); Ma-Anne Rosales-Sto. Domingo (McCabe Centre).
Organised in collaboration: McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Australian WHO Collaborating Centre Network, Australian Global Health Alliance, The George Institute for Global Health.