The Brain Days at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), held in New York on 23-24 September 2026, brought together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, industry representatives and international organisations to strengthen global collaboration on brain health and neurological disorders. The event focused on advancing brain health research and innovation, promoting prevention and resilience, and building momentum towards greater recognition of brain health within the United Nations policy agenda.

The OneNeurology Partnership was actively represented by its Chair, Abdel Fatah Ibrahim, who contributed to a panel on recent strides in global brain policy, alongside Bo Norrving (Global Stroke Action Coalition), Steven Lewis (World Federation of Neurology), and Francesca Sofia (International Bureau for Epilepsy), and moderated by Frédéric Destrebecq (European Brain Council). The discussion reflected on advocacy successes, policy milestones and the work still needed to build consensus across governments, civil society and health systems.

Reflecting on the event, Abdel  highlighted the importance of ensuring neurological conditions remain visible and prioritised within global health policy discussions. He emphasised the need for continued collaboration across sectors and stakeholders to translate growing political interest in brain health into concrete action that improves the lives of people living with neurological conditions worldwide.

Abdel also joined a roundtable discussion on the Brain Economy and rare neurological disorders, organised by NeuroCentury and Brain Capital Alliance Alliance, facilitated by Pawel Swieboda.

Building on the momentum generated at previous Brain Days events, UNGA81 reinforced the growing recognition of brain health as a critical health, social and economic priority, while creating new opportunities for collaboration across the global neurological community.