This review provides an analytic overview of the influence of the health-related United Nations General Assembly High-level Meetings on HIV/AIDS, non-communicable diseases, antimicrobial resistance, tuberculosis and Universal Health Coverage. We consider the temporal association between High-Level Meetings and changes in the global health funding landscape and national financial and programmatic commitments, in order to understand whether global prioritization of selected health issues leads to domestic prioritization and action. Whilst some High-Level Meetings do appear to have galvanized support, funding, and domestic action, this is not always the case. To maximise the value of these meetings, health advocates should view them as a powerful means rather than an end in themselves.