Barcelona Hosts Global Think-tank on Steatotic Liver Disease: A Collective Push for Global Action on MALSD/MASH

The Global Think-tank on Steatotic Liver Disease returns to Barcelona on 5–6 June 2025 for its flagship event—bringing together global leaders in science, policy, civil society, healthcare, and lived experience to accelerate progress on chronic liver disease–with a particular focus on MASLD and MASH–as part of a broader metabolic health agenda.

Held under the theme “In Motion, Together,” the event underscores the importance of collective momentum. It reflects the Think-tank’s vision of dismantling silos—between disciplines, sectors, and regions—and building sustained, inclusive responses to one of today’s fastest-growing public health threats.

This curated gathering is all about expanding and leveraging the community of practice. Alongside hepatologists, we’re bringing together endocrinologists, public health leaders, nurses, economists, urban health experts—and crucially, people living with or affected by liver disease. Together, we’ll tackle issues ranging from regulation and urban policy to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care—building on the field’s core research and action priorities. It’s also a critical moment to align our efforts to help secure a place for chronic liver disease on the global health agenda, including the upcoming UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs

– Jeffrey V. Lazarus, Director of the Global Think-tank on Steatotic Liver Disease

Agenda Highlights

The two-day programme features keynotes, strategy-focused dialogues, and collaborative roundtables:

Keynote speakers include:

  • Jimena Márquez Donaher, Communications Director, NCD Alliance
  • Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO
  • Xavier Cos, Head of Primary Care, Institut Català de la Salut
  • Ajay Duseja, Head of Hepatology, PGIMER Chandigarh and INASL President-Elect
  • Tit Albreht, President, European Public Health Association (EUPHA)
  • David Stuckler, Professor of Policy, Bocconi University
  • Slim Slama, CEO, World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), Qatar Foundation

Dr. Slama’s keynote on 6 June will draw on his deep experience in health systems and NCD strategy from his leadership at WISH and prior work with WHO. His talk is expected to connect the dots between liver health, innovation, and the global push to embed liver disease, including MASLD/MASH, within NCD frameworks.

  • “Future-proofing Liver Health”: This session will explore what it takes to create environments that support prevention—from food and urban design policies to health literacy and digital access.
  • “Doubling MASH Diagnoses by 2027”: Tackling one of the field’s most urgent gaps, this session highlights innovation in early-stage detection and non-invasive diagnostics.
  • “Power of Collaboration”: Featuring frontline professionals and patient advocates, this session will examine how integrated, multidisciplinary care can improve quality of life and outcomes.

Importantly, people with lived experience will play a central role—not as add-ons, but as co-creators and speakers, sharing insights that anchor discussions in reality and drive systems-level change.

A live scribe will visually capture key moments throughout, creating real-time illustrations that reflect the diversity of voices and perspectives in the room.

Walking the Talk

In a concrete expression of its values, the Think-tank has partnered with the catering team at Macaya Palace to provide a liver-friendly menu—designed with health and enjoyment in mind. It’s a simple but powerful way of showing that the lifestyle shifts we discuss can also be part of a vibrant, shared experience.

The gathering will close with a reception at Casa de les Punxes, one of Barcelona’s architectural icons. It will offer space to connect, reflect, and build the relationships that move change forward.

As the world looks ahead to the UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases, this flagship event aims to ensure that liver health—particularly MASLD and MASH—is not left behind.

Because only In Motion, Together can we build the integrated, inclusive, and impactful response this global challenge demands.

Learn more and explore the full agenda: www.sldthinktank.com/agenda
Follow the conversation: #SLDthinktank #InMotionTogether