To reduce inequalities and accelerate progress on women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health, we call on Member States to address alcohol harm more decisively. Alcohol is a major yet often overlooked driver of health and social harm in women, children, and adolescents - fueling gender-based violence, maternal and child ill-health, and mental health challenges. Among adolescents alcohol is one of the leading preventable risk factors for disease burden.

Despite this, alcohol policy is critically underutilized. We urge prioritizing evidence-based measures - especially protecting children, youth, and women from alcohol marketing and increasing alcohol taxation, which also mobilizes domestic resources for health.

We call on the Secretariat to fully integrate alcohol policy into technical guidance, country support, and the post-2030 strategy. This is essential to safeguarding the rights and potential of every woman, child, and adolescent.

Thank you.