Remarks at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly High-level side event on alcohol policy

Distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues, and partners in health and development:

Good afternoon. It is a privilege to be with you today to speak about a subject that is not only close to my heart, but central to our shared mission: alcohol policy as a development imperative.

Let me begin with a truth we all know - but one the world still needs to hear loud and clear:

• Alcohol leaves a mark.
• On individuals. On families. On communities. On entire nations.

The numbers are sobering. In 2019, alcohol use was responsible for 2.6 million deaths globally - nearly one in every 20 lives lost.

In the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region alone, we lose almost half a million people each year to alcohol-related causes.

That's one person, every minute.

Globally, alcohol is the leading cause of death and poor health among people aged 25-49.

In our Region, nearly one in five deaths among young men aged 20-29 is linked to alcohol.

These are young lives - full of promise - cut short. The loss is not just personal. It's societal. It's generational.

Alcohol contributes to over 200 diseases and conditions. But this is not just a health issue.

It is a development challenge. The burden falls hardest on youth, women, indigenous peoples, and those already facing economic hardship - deepening inequities and straining health systems.

We know what works. WHO's "Best Buy" interventions - taxation, marketing restrictions and availability controls - are proven tools. Yet implementation remains limited.

Where countries have acted boldly, the results speak volumes. In Viet Nam, a zero-tolerance drink-driving policy backed by millions of breath checks has led to a 30% drop in alcohol-related crashes, a 43% reduction in injuries, and a 28% decline in fatalities.

Viet Nam is now moving forward with a phased plan to raise alcohol taxes - a courageous step toward long-term change.

Other Member States are making progress, but gaps remain. And globally, we face mounting challenges:

• Alcohol is more affordable than ever.
• Marketing is relentless - especially online, targeting youth and women.
• Availability is widespread, with few restrictions.
• Social norms continue to normalize drinking.
• And policies, where they exist, are often under-enforced and vulnerable to industry interference.

So here is my message to governments and policy-makers: Alcohol policy is not just about consumption.

It is a powerful lever for preventing noncommunicable diseases, promoting mental health, and protecting future generations.

But success demands three things: political will, strong partnerships and relentless implementation.

When I took office as Regional Director in February 2024, I made a personal commitment to lead by example.

One of my first initiatives was to ban alcohol from all WHO-hosted events in the Western Pacific Region.

Today, I am proud to say that this policy is fully implemented. No alcohol is served at any WHO Western Pacific Regional Office function. Because if we are serious about prevention, we must start with our own practices.

Civil society is essential to this effort. Organizations like Movendi International play a vital role - not just in advocacy, but in mobilizing communities and holding systems accountable.

Your work is deeply valued, and your global reach is making a difference.

Friends, the road ahead is not easy. Global alcohol consumption dipped slightly during COVID-19, but it is already rebounding.

Without stronger action, we risk missing the 2030 target to reduce harmful use by 20%.

The commercial determinants of health are pushing back harder than ever. But we are not backing down.

At WHO Western Pacific, we are launching a new public communications initiative with a simple but powerful message: Alcohol leaves a mark.

And together, we will work to erase it - for good.

Three years ago, Member States endorsed the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030. Now is the time to turn plans into action - and action into impact.

When I reflect on the scale of this challenge, I draw strength from the words of Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Let us be that group. Let us be the change.

Thank you.