Movendi International supports WHO’s work on mental health and social connection. We have identified opportunities to improve the report:

• Recognize the alcohol industry as a commercial determinant of mental ill-health and social isolation.
• Recognize that alcohol fuels to depression, anxiety, and suicide, and alcohol use disorder is a global crisis. Alcohol harm disrupts relationships and deepens social disconnection - across the life course.
• Importantly, alcohol addiction self-help groups are a crucial but overlooked tool for fostering social connection. Peer programs provide essential recovery support, reduce stigma, and promote social connection and mental well-being.

We urge for these points to be integrated into the social connection agenda. Addressing alcohol’s role in mental ill-health and social isolation is critical to building stronger, healthier, and more connected societies.