BCIU’s Global Reach at UNGA

As world leaders gathered in New York for the 81^st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), multilateral leaders, governments, and the private sector came together to cultivate partnerships and discuss priorities for advancing progress worldwide. The theme of this year’s session was Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.

With decades of experience as a trusted UNGA collaborator, BCIU remains committed to working with members and partners to contribute to global conversation at the highest levels. This year, BCIU hosted and participated in almost 30 programs on the margins of the General Assembly, creating spaces where government officials, business leaders, and organizations could tackle pressing challenges, discuss key priorities with stakeholders and build partnerships.

“UNGA gives us the chance to connect global leaders and address pressing challenges together,” says Caitlin Noone, BCIU’s Chief Operating Officer. “These side events are another place where knowledge, experience, and innovation can come together to create tangible results.”

Spotlight on Sickle Cell

BCIU hosted the high-level session, From Burden to Breakthrough: Financing Africa’s IMARA Framework for Sickle Cell Disease, convened in partnership with the World Coalition on Sickle Cell Disease and private sector partner Terumo BCT.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most pressing health challenges in Africa—and the most common inherited blood disorder worldwide—but it is often overlooked in global health agendas. By elevating SCD on the global health agenda, this convening underscored the importance of multisectoral collaboration in addressing neglected health challenges that affect millions worldwide.

The discussion focused on actionable pathways for investment and partnership, including how governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders can translate national priorities into operational programs. In 2025, Terumo BCT signed a memoranda of understanding with partners in Kenya, Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire to support the development and implementation of comprehensive national approaches to SCD care. In June 2026, the IMARA Framework was formally launched in Kenya and Uganda, with work to advance implementation in Côte d’Ivoire underway. Together, these milestones demonstrate growing country ownership and provide a foundation for broader implementation and scale-up of the framework across the region.

“Strengthening healthcare requires collaboration,” says Reid Harrison, BCIU’s Director of Partnerships and Life Sciences. “The public and private sectors must work together to drive and expand access to innovation and build resilience against existing and future threats.”

Building Readiness for the Future of Brain Health

In partnership with Siemens Healthineers, BCIU also hosted Building Brain Health Readiness: Strengthening Systems for the Future. The multi-stakeholder roundtable convened leaders from global institutions, civil society, and frontline health systems to discuss how new technologies, expanded access to care, and greater awareness of brain health can help address the growing burden of neurological disease.

Participants explored successful models and emerging best practices for strengthening health systems, reducing diagnostic delays, and expanding access to neurological care. The discussion also highlighted opportunities for collaboration and innovation while emphasizing the importance of ensuring inclusive access to care.

“As neurological conditions continue to place greater pressure on health systems around the world, the question is not only what new technologies and innovations are available, but how we build health systems that are actually prepared to use them effectively and equitably,” said Noone.

Connecting Regional Leaders and Business Communities

BCIU organized and participated in several regional programs throughout UNGA, bringing together senior government officials and private sector leaders for candid discussions on economic priorities, investment opportunities, and pathways for collaboration. Among these regional roundtables were discussions focused on Colombia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Mozambique.

For the Colombia program, BCIU hosted a private dinner roundtable with His Excellency José Manuel Restrepo, Vice President of the Republic of Colombia. The conversation explored Colombia’s economic outlook, investment priorities, and the future of U.S.-Colombia commercial relations. Senior private sector leaders engaged in an off-the-record conversation on shared opportunities for investment, growth, and partnership.

BCIU also hosted a private roundtable with His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the UAE. Participants discussed the UAE’s evolving trade and investment priorities, including its role as a strategic platform for strengthening regional supply chains, expanding investment and accessing opportunities across the Gulf, the wider Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The discussion also examined the country’s continued economic diversification and opportunities for collaboration with the international private sector.

In a roundtable with His Excellency Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, BCIU convened senior executives leading U.S. and global companies investing in or considering investment in Mozambique. The conversation focused on the administration’s priorities for economic growth and partnership, with particular attention to digital infrastructure, and tourism, as well as the country’s broader economic climate. Executives also discussed the economic environment, financing options, and pathways for U.S.-Mozambique collaboration.

These initiatives reflect BCIU’s broader role at UNGA: convening leaders across borders and sectors to tackle pressing global challenges. By creating spaces for constructive dialogue, BCIU continues to strengthen the trust and collaboration needed to drive meaningful progress on a global scale.

Discover the full list of BCIU’s event programming here.