A new Political Declaration (PD) on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs)

Our Statement

FIVS, the International Wine Federation, welcomes yesterday’s introduction by the United Nations’ (UN) of the new Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). The Political Declaration follows extensive and robust Member State engagement and has broad international support. Addressing the harmful consumption of alcohol is one element of the wide-ranging declaration. 

Importantly, the Political Declaration renews a worldwide commitment to the 2010 Global Strategy for reducing the harmful use of alcohol. FIVS members remain committed to tackling harmful alcohol use, alongside the sustainable and responsible production and marketing of wine internationally. Our members work to ensure consumers are empowered with information and guidance to enjoy wine responsibly and with confidence. FIVS remains dedicated to encouraging low-risk consumption, while highlighting the cultural, social, and economic roles wine plays in our communities.

The Declaration emphasises that the most effective approach is to target harmful drinking patterns, rather than alcohol as part of a balanced lifestyle and highlights the essential role of collaboration among governments, civil society, and the private sector. FIVS welcomes this reaffirmation of an inclusive approach, which has enabled meaningful contributions from the private sector in advancing global efforts to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. 

The UN’s renewed endorsement of the 2010 Global Strategy reflects its proven impact. Among all major NCD risk factors, alcohol harm reduction has shown some of the most significant progress, according to UN indicators. Between 2010 and 2019, global deaths attributable to alcohol dropped by more than 20%, based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Figures released this year suggest the world is on course to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of a 20% reduction in average per capita alcohol consumption by 2030. Private sector contributions to harm reduction have played a vital role in supporting progress towards these milestones. 

We recognise there is more to be done, and further progress is needed in some regions. This means that continued multi-stakeholder collaboration is required. FIVS, the Voice of Wine, is committed to playing our part in tackling NCDs. Only by working together, will our shared goals be delivered by 2030.