Health equity, mental health, and partnerships to build back after COVID-19: Multistakeholder perspectives at a United Nations event

Abstract

Health equity is both a driver and outcome of progress in achieving sustainable development, as outlined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. An event addressing equity in physical and mental health and well-being was held during the important High-level Political Forum at the United Nations when governments present their progress in achieving the global goals. The online convening brought together an exceptionally impressive and representative group of stakeholders from government (Member States Missions to the United Nations), civil society (NGOs), and academia to share ideas about the importance, role, and progress of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) selected for review in 2021, namely, SDG 3 on health and mental health, SDG 10 on equity and SDG 17 on partnerships, in recovery from the pandemic and “building back better.” The event showcased contributions of these stakeholders, including policies as well as projects being conducted on the ground, and underscored the commitment and value of multilateral partnership in achieving the global goals to build forward from the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.