25 September 2025, New York
The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD), a science-based, not-for-profit organization with official status at the United Nations, welcomes the new Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at today’s Fourth UN High-Level Meeting.
As the only global organisation that unites leading beer, wine, and spirits producers with public health experts, governments, and civil society, IARD is uniquely positioned to contribute constructively to the UN’s call for a whole-of-society approach to reducing harmful drinking. Its official status at the UN underlines this unique role, ensuring that IARD can provide an evidence-based, private-sector voice in these multilateral processes.
Julian Braithwaite, President & CEO of IARD, said:
“The new Political Declaration marks an important moment in global health. While we have seen progress in reducing harmful drinking, challenges remain, and action must be accelerated. As a science-based organisation with official NGO status at the UN, IARD is committed to supporting governments, civil society, and the WHO in implementing solutions that focus on harmful consumption. Through a whole-of-society approach, we can build on the progress already made and contribute to the shared goal of reducing harmful drinking and improving public health by 2030.”
Evidence of Progress
The Political Declaration reaffirms international commitment to the 2010 Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol and the 2022 Global Alcohol Action Plan. These frameworks have already shown tangible results:
These results highlight that progress is possible when science, evidence, and collective action focused on tackling harmful consumption drive solutions.
The Need for Whole-of-Society Action
Despite these advances, progress remains uneven across regions, and several indicators continue to move in the wrong direction. Sustained momentum requires renewed commitment and stronger partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector.
Since the last UN High-Level Meeting in 2018, IARD and its members have taken action to support the UN’s call, including:
These initiatives demonstrate how private sector innovation can complement the efforts of governments and civil society in addressing harmful drinking.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
iardmedia@edelman.com and Rodrigo de Casas – rdecasas@iard.org
About IARD
The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. We are supported by the leading global beer, wine, and spirits producers, who have come together for a common purpose: to be part of the solution in combating harmful drinking. To advance this shared mission, IARD works and partners with public sector, civil society, and private stakeholders. www.iard.org
IARD’s members are AB InBev, Asahi, Bacardi, Brown-Forman, Carlsberg, Diageo, Heineken, Kirin, Moët Hennessy, Molson Coors Beverage Company, Pernod Ricard, Suntory Global Spirits, and William Grant & Sons. Associate members: The Coca-Cola Company and LOTTE Chilsung Beverage
© 2021 International Alliance for Responsible Drinking
IARD’s members and the members of its Partnership Council are a diverse group of organizations with a variety of viewpoints. They might not necessarily agree on all or any subjects. Any statements, findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed on this website do not reflect the policies or views of all IARD members or the organizations they represent, unless explicitly stated. However, all members agree on and support IARD’s mission of reducing the harmful use of alcohol.
The resources on this website are not intended as health advice to individuals about their drinking. People with specific questions about their drinking are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional. Together, they can determine what is best for that individual, based on individual risk factors, including family history, genetics, and lifestyle. For some people, the better choice may be to not drink at all.
