Turning promises into policy: The ISN’s drive for kidney health in 2025
The ISN continues to advocate for kidney health to be prioritized globally and comprehensively integrated into the broader noncommunicable disease (NCD) agenda.
Read the ISN Manifesto on driving global action
On September 25, 2025, world leaders will gather at the United Nations in New York for the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on NCDs and mental health. This meeting will shape a new political declaration, setting global priorities for preventing and managing NCDs through 2030 and beyond.
“After many years of hard work, an important milestone has been reached with the adoption of the kidney health resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly. We urge all UN Member States to support this huge effort to tackle the rising burden of kidney disease affecting many lives globally,” shares ISN Advocacy Working Group Deputy Chair Muhammad Iqbal Abdul Hafidz.
To ensure kidney disease is included in this crucial HLM4 declaration, the ISN and 21 partner organizations co-signed a joint statement to all UN Member States on behalf of the kidney care community. This inclusion would affirm global consensus, reinforce commitments made at WHA78, and strengthen efforts toward a more inclusive, effective, and equitable response to NCDs.
The ISN urges the global health community to call on national governments and advocate for the inclusion of kidney disease in this declaration.
In the lead-up to HLM4, the ISN will also hold an event in collaboration with Devex on September 23, focused on turning global commitments into real-world action for those living with kidney disease.
Good to know: How does a WHO resolution differ from a UN political declaration?
A WHO resolution, adopted by its Member States, provides technical guidance and sets health priorities. Although not legally binding, it has a significant influence on global health strategies and country-level policies. In contrast, a UN political declaration — adopted by all UN Member States — reflects broader political commitment and extends beyond health to include development, finance, and equity. These declarations generate political momentum and cross-sector collaboration at the highest level. Together, they work in tandem: The WHO resolution on kidney health sets the foundation, and the upcoming UN political declaration further elevates kidney health on the global agenda, strengthening integrated action through 2030 and beyond.
