Reducing the harmful use of alcohol has been identified as an important component of reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as well as contributing to sustainable development, two key goals, identified by the United Nations. There is a need for multisector collaboration to support and complement actions taken nationally or regionally to achieve global goals.
This idea of working openly with all stakeholders to change lives, and to reduce harmful consumption lies at the heart of the collaboration between the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) and GBCHealth on the Changing Attitudes program.
The Changing Attitudes program is not just about shifting behaviors when it comes to responsible consumption of alcohol, it’s also about changing mindsets and attitudes when it comes to how we work together as a global community in the fight against harmful alcohol misuse. We want to form one powerful voice united around a common set of objectives as set out in the WHO strategy.
In the run up to the 2018 High-Level Meeting on NCDs, GBCHealth and IARD is convening a discussion on July 12th at the United Nations to showcase existing public-private partnerships that are generating significant impact. The inaugural Changing Attitudes event takes stock of global efforts from alcohol producers and explores what can be learned from their past efforts to drive greater progress on reducing harmful drinking.
Attendees of the event are able to browse a virtual exhibition of programs along with a VR experience curated by Diageo. They will also be treated to a diverse expert panel facilitated by the Honorable Minister Christian Paradis, former Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie. The panel examines the role of collaboration in driving positive change and attempt to answer the core question: “How can we enhance collaboration between global stakeholders to drive greater impact at all levels to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and promote more responsible consumption?”