World
WHO at UNGA: Call for urgent, high-level action to address global scourge of antimicrobial resistance
Published
2 years agoon
Geneva (FNN) – The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners will call on world leaders to address critical global health challenges, and invest in global public health, at meetings throughout the high-level week of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), to be held in New York from 20 to 30 September 2024.
The second High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) on 26 September 2024 will be the principal official, health-focused event during the UNGA high-level week. Without decisive action, such as that outlined in the final text of the draft political declaration for the meeting, AMR will cause even more global suffering, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making people sicker and increasing the spread of infections that are difficult to treat, leading to illness and deaths. The intergovernmental negotiations for the declaration were co-facilitated by Malta and Barbados. The first UN High-level Meeting on AMR took place in 2016.
“Antimicrobial resistance threatens a century of medical progress and could return us to the pre-antibiotic era, where infections that are treatable today could become a death sentence,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, who will address the high-level meeting on AMR. “This is a threat for all countries at all income levels, which is why a strong, accelerated and well-coordinated global response is needed urgently.”
UNGA79 takes place at a crucial moment as the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerates efforts to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite significant strides, progress towards health targets remains off track, exacerbated by ongoing humanitarian, social, and climate crises. Millions of people still lack access to life-saving health services, highlighting the link between health and sustainable development.
The Summit of the Future, which will take place on 22 and 23 September, will bring together world leaders to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver better in the present, including ensuring global decision making is guided by science, achieving the SDGs and safeguarding the future. During the Summit, Heads of State and high-ranking government officials are expected to endorse the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. Health priorities are well-reflected in the outcomes, including the importance of access to health services and achieving universal health coverage.
During the week, WHO officials will participate in official and informal health-focused events ranging from digital health, maternal, child and adolescent health, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and mental health, to action on climate change, advancing progress toward Universal Health Coverage, and pandemic preparedness and response.
“Strong health systems, equitable access to health services, and robust pandemic preparedness are vital for a safer and healthier world,” Dr Tedros said. “We must harness the power of digital technologies to bridge gaps in access to health services and build resilient systems that can meet the multiple overlapping health challenges of our world, from outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics to climate change and the burden of noncommunicable diseases.”
The UN General Assembly takes place during WHO’s first Investment Round, a series of engagements and ongoing efforts to secure sustainable financing for WHO’s core work for the period of 2025-2028. Dr Tedros and WHO representatives will be conveying the importance of investing in global health and of a robust and fully funded WHO to work with countries in advancing health for all. On 23 September, Dr. Tedros and European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño will hold a live-streamed fireside chat moderated by Suzanne Lynch of Politico on why investing in primary healthcare is critical at a time of increased shocks caused by disease outbreaks like mpox.
This will be followed later in the day by the European Investment Bank and WHO co-hosting a high-level roundtable under the new Health Impact Investment Platform, which will spotlight country level action to boost vaccination and community-based health. Both meetings will be streamed via WHO and Dr. Tedros’ social media channels.
On 24 September, WHO will host the Third Annual Gathering of the Heads of State and Government for the prevention and control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), to catalyze commitment at the highest levels of Government, and bolster engagement by partners ahead of the UNGA high-level meeting on NCDs and Mental Health in 2025.
From September 22-29, 2024, WHO will participate in key events, panels and initiatives during Climate Week NYC. Bringing together world leaders, businesses, policymakers and activists, the events will consider solutions to urgent climate challenges ahead of critical international summits.
WHO experts will make it a priority to ensure that the health argument for climate action takes center stage in global discussions. They will underscore how climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a pressing health crisis, directly affecting millions of people worldwide.
Rising temperatures, poor air quality, and disrupted ecosystems are contributing to the spread of infectious diseases, respiratory illnesses, and malnutrition.
During UNGA, WHO will engage in a number of events and discussions focusing on pandemic preparedness and response, even as Member States continue their negotiations for a new convention, agreement or international instrument or accord.
Virtual access to UNGA79
Official UNGA meetings and some of the WHO sponsored events are accessible virtually via UN WebTV. Visit the WHO at UNGA 79 webpage for further information.
Related links
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World
Ecuador Honors Marco Rubio With National Order of Merit Grand Cross
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 10, 2026
President Daniel Noboa recognizes U.S. secretary of state during Quito visit focused on security, counternarcotics cooperation and stronger U.S.-Ecuador relations
QUITO, Ecuador (FNN) — Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa awarded U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio the National Order of Merit in the degree of Grand Cross on Wednesday, recognizing Rubio’s role in strengthening relations between the United States and Ecuador.
The Sept. 9 ceremony took place at the Carondelet presidential palace in Quito during Rubio’s South American diplomatic tour. Official State Department photography confirms Noboa presented the decoration to Rubio during the ceremony.
The honor came as Rubio and Noboa emphasized deeper cooperation on regional security, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking and economic prosperity.
ECUADOR RECOGNIZES RUBIO’S ROLE IN BILATERAL RELATIONS
An executive decree read during the ceremony cited Rubio’s “distinguished services” and commitment to strengthening ties between Ecuador and the United States.
The decree highlighted bilateral cooperation against transnational organized crime, narcotics trafficking and illicit financial networks.
Noboa praised Rubio’s diplomatic engagement in Latin America and said the relationship between the two countries extends beyond government-to-government cooperation.
Ecuadorian media also reported that the award recognized Rubio’s contributions to bilateral relations and cooperation on security.
RUBIO: U.S.-ECUADOR RELATIONS HAVE IMPROVED
Accepting the decoration, Rubio called it a “great honor” and emphasized what he described as significant improvements in relations between the two countries.
Rubio focused particularly on two priorities: security and prosperity.
He said governments must provide security to create conditions for economic opportunity and pledged continued cooperation from President Donald Trump’s administration.
The Quito meeting was Rubio’s third meeting with Noboa, according to Rubio’s remarks.
SECURITY COOPERATION TAKES CENTER STAGE
The ceremony came during a broader visit focused heavily on counternarcotics and security cooperation.
Rubio announced that the Trump administration would seek approximately $45 million from Congress for security assistance to Ecuador, along with an additional $10 million targeting illegal gold mining, gang recruitment and illicit finance, according to Reuters.
The United States also designated Ecuadorian criminal organization Los Tiguerones as a foreign terrorist organization during Rubio’s visit.
Ecuador has become an increasingly important U.S. partner in regional counternarcotics operations under Noboa. The country has struggled with escalating violence involving criminal organizations competing over drug-trafficking routes and access to ports.
NOBOA PRAISES RUBIO’S LATIN AMERICAN ENGAGEMENT
Noboa used the ceremony to emphasize Rubio’s connection to Latin America and his work on regional security.
The Ecuadorian president said Rubio’s approach has helped strengthen relationships between the United States and countries throughout the region.
“We have achieved, working hand in hand with the United States, to provide more peace, health and also more liberties,” Noboa said through an interpreter, according to the ceremony transcript.
Noboa described the decoration as one of Ecuador’s highest honors. Independent reporting characterized the National Order of Merit in the Grand Cross degree as a major Ecuadorian national distinction awarded for extraordinary service.
RUBIO’S SOUTH AMERICAN DIPLOMATIC TOUR
Ecuador was part of a broader South American trip for Rubio.
He traveled to Ecuador after meeting Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella, with security, counternarcotics cooperation and economic relations among the major subjects of the trip. Rubio was then scheduled to travel to Peru.
The Ecuador visit underscored the Trump administration’s effort to strengthen relationships with regional governments cooperating with Washington on narcotics trafficking, migration and security.
For Rubio and Noboa, the Grand Cross ceremony also provided a symbolic backdrop for an expanding bilateral relationship centered on security cooperation, combating organized crime and economic ties.
US NATIONAL NEWS
U.S. Expands Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Financial Networks and Regime Financiers
Published
2 months agoon
July 10, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The Trump administration announced a new round of sanctions Friday targeting individuals and businesses accused of helping finance Iran’s ruling elite and facilitating international financial transactions on behalf of the Iranian regime.
The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, target a global financial network that U.S. officials say supports Iran’s Supreme Leader and other senior regime officials.
Global Financial Network Targeted
According to the administration, the sanctions focus on Ali Ansari, a Dubai-based Iranian national accused of managing an extensive network of real estate and commercial holdings across multiple countries on behalf of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader, and other regime insiders.
U.S. officials said the network includes assets and business interests in:
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Spain
- Cyprus
- United Arab Emirates
- Other international jurisdictions
The administration alleges the network has been used to help Iranian regime officials maintain access to international financial markets.
Currency Exchange Houses Sanctioned
The Treasury Department also imposed sanctions on three Iran-based currency exchange firms and their associated leadership:
- Mohammad Darbani and Partners
- Lavasani and Partners
- Mohsen Khandan and Partners
The sanctions also extend to the firms’ managing partners and affiliated front companies.
According to the administration, these entities allegedly enabled Iran to obtain foreign currency and conduct international financial transactions despite existing U.S. sanctions.
Administration Cites Maximum Pressure Campaign
The White House said the latest designations are part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to increase economic pressure on Iran.
Administration officials said they will continue targeting individuals, businesses and financial institutions—including foreign entities—that facilitate illicit Iranian commerce or assist the regime in evading U.S. sanctions.
The administration maintains that the sanctions are intended to pressure Iran to end what it describes as destabilizing activities in the region and to hold accountable those who enable corruption within the Iranian government.
Authorities Used for Sanctions
The sanctions were imposed under multiple executive authorities, including:
- Executive Order 13902, targeting Iran’s financial and petroleum sectors.
- Executive Order 13876, focusing on Iran’s Supreme Leader and affiliated individuals.
- Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886, which provides counterterrorism sanctions authority.
Treasury officials said the latest designations build upon previous actions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeting Iran’s shadow banking system and currency exchange networks.
World
U.S., CARICOM IMPACS Sign Landmark Biometrics Data-Sharing Agreement to Strengthen Border Security
Published
2 months agoon
July 10, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) signed a Biometrics Data Sharing Partnership (BDSP) Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on Friday, establishing a new framework for sharing biometric information to strengthen border security and immigration screening.
The agreement was signed July 10 at the Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Washington, D.C.
Strengthening National and Regional Security
According to DHS, the agreement enhances U.S. national security by enabling biometric information sharing between the United States and CARICOM member states that operate Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs.
Officials said the partnership will improve the ability of both the United States and participating Caribbean nations to identify potential security threats before individuals enter the United States.
The agreement is also intended to help prevent individuals from exploiting Citizenship by Investment programs to evade immigration or law enforcement screening, addressing what officials described as a critical gap in Western Hemisphere security.
Supporting Immigration Integrity
The memorandum also reflects Caribbean governments’ commitment to strengthening immigration integrity and aligning border security practices with U.S. standards.
DHS said the partnership reinforces regional cooperation on identity verification, information sharing and security screening while supporting lawful travel and international security efforts.
Senior Officials Attend Signing Ceremony
The signing ceremony brought together senior representatives from:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- White House Homeland Security Council
- U.S. Department of State
- CARICOM IMPACS
Diplomatic representatives from the following Caribbean nations also participated:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
These countries currently operate Citizenship by Investment programs that provide foreign nationals a pathway to citizenship through qualifying investments.
Regional Security Cooperation Expands
The Biometrics Data Sharing Partnership represents one of the most significant security cooperation agreements between the United States and CARICOM member states in recent years.
Officials said the framework will strengthen information sharing, improve border security, support immigration integrity and enhance efforts to identify individuals who may pose security risks before they travel to the United States.
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