EBC Sessions at Digitalscience@UNGA75

The European Brain Council is pleased to announce two digital sessions within the sciencedigital@UNGA75 series of virtual side events within the context of the 75th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA75).

The central theme of these activities will be to advance awareness of the role and contribution of science and digital technologies to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The EBC sessions will take place on Wednesday, 30 September 2020 at 12:00-14:00 and 14:00-16:00. Details on the events are below:

Session 1 (12:00-14:00 CET)

The Potentials of Increased Collaboration in Science: examples from the brain community

Enhancing global collaboration in the domain of research and innovation is key for effectively addressing today’s societal challenges and improving the health and well-being of citizens. This is particularly true for brain disorders, including both neurological and mental conditions, which are widespread and highly disabling diseases that are often difficult to treat. The EU has demonstrated its ability to be an important interlocutor in promoting international research collaboration in a wide range of areas, ranging from problems connected to climate change to issues such as agriculture and energy, which is expected to deliver promising results in the near future. It is therefore crucial to explore how global research collaboration can support brain research in a meaningful way, to the benefit of patients across the globe. This session gathers voices from across the world showcasing their international partnerships and the importance of building and fostering international connections in science, with insight from the European Union, North America, Asia, Oceania, Africa as well as international organisations.

Session 2 (14:00-16:00 CET)

Do the SDGs address the global burden of disease? A focus on regional health and research policies

Brain disorders, neurological and mental alike, have the highest disease burden. Neurological disorders alone are the leading cause of DALYs and second leading cause of deaths worldwide, affecting one in three people. The leading cause of DALYs by 2030 is projected to be unipolar depressive disorders. Thus, global momentum to address the threat posed by brain disorders is increasing. In 2018 mental and neurological disorders were added by world leaders to the list of priority non-communicable diseases. In 2019 WHO established a “Brain Health” team. In 2020 WHO Member States requested a resolution on Epilepsy and other neurological disorders that can lead to a global action plan. However, the existing high-level commitments, such as Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage, have not afforded brain conditions the political priority that they require and fall short on tangible global commitments to reduce their burden. Strategic linkages to these high-level commitments therefore need to be built, laying out a strong foundation for an integrated and all-encompassing approach to brain health. This session will explore the burden of brain disorders, international and national perspectives including from the WHO and the work being done in using the SDGs and other such tools to respond to the growing burden of disease.

Please register your attendance here — details on how to join will be circulated early next week.