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.
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US NATIONAL NEWS
U.S. Expands Sanctions Targeting Iran’s Financial Networks and Regime Financiers
Published
2 days 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 days 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.
World
CARICOM Leaders Unveil Regional Measures to Combat Rising Cost of Living
Published
2 days agoon
July 10, 2026
GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia (FNN NEWS) — Caribbean leaders agreed on a series of regional and national measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living during the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held July 5–8 in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
Meeting under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World,” Heads of Government focused on policies designed to reduce the financial burden on households as geopolitical tensions continue to drive up global prices for fuel, transportation and essential goods.
People-First Agenda
Speaking at the closing news conference, CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre said leaders centered their discussions on improving the daily lives of Caribbean citizens.
“Our discussions over the past four days were guided by one central objective—ensuring that CARICOM delivers results that people can see and feel in their everyday lives,” Pierre said.
He said member states agreed to strengthen regional cooperation to:
- Protect consumers
- Improve affordability
- Provide additional relief for vulnerable households
- Address rising prices across the Caribbean Community
Pierre acknowledged that every CARICOM nation is experiencing higher living costs, largely fueled by global increases in energy prices.
“There is one factor we have no control over, which is the price of fuel,” he said.
Saint Lucia has responded by removing the value-added tax (VAT) on selected essential goods.
Regional Solutions to Lower Costs
CARICOM leaders outlined several initiatives intended to reduce costs across the region, including:
- Reducing taxes on imported fuel
- Lowering freight and shipping costs
- Expanding renewable energy investments
- Reducing intra-regional cargo transportation expenses
- Accelerating the launch of a regional ferry service
Leaders said improving transportation and energy infrastructure is critical to making goods and services more affordable throughout the Caribbean.
Barbados Expands Financial Relief
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley highlighted several national initiatives already underway, including:
- A cost-of-living allowance for pensioners
- A 30% increase in welfare payments
- Consumer price comparison technology allowing shoppers to compare prices among retailers
Mottley also identified the proposed regional ferry service as one of CARICOM’s most significant economic initiatives.
The ferry system would reduce shipping costs by improving cargo movement among Caribbean nations while strengthening regional trade.
Officials plan to use a Trinidad and Tobago ferry as a proof of concept while private-sector operators acquire additional vessels. Regulatory work is expected to be completed within three months, while procurement of permanent vessels could take up to one year.
Mottley also announced efforts to establish agreements covering:
- Mutual recognition of licenses
- Insurance standards
- Port infrastructure improvements
- Cross-border movement of cargo vehicles
Healthcare Collaboration to Reduce Costs
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar proposed expanding regional healthcare cooperation as another way to reduce living expenses.
She offered CARICOM members access to Trinidad and Tobago’s:
- National prosthetic center
- Specialized children’s hospital
- Medical professionals and specialists
“If we partner together, we can bring down the cost of living,” Persad-Bissessar said.
Renewable Energy a Long-Term Priority
Outgoing CARICOM Chairman Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, emphasized that energy remains one of the region’s greatest economic challenges.
He called for accelerated investments in:
- Solar energy
- Wind power
- Geothermal energy
- Wave energy
Drew said greater energy independence would help stabilize electricity costs, strengthen Caribbean economies and provide long-term relief for consumers.
“Renewable energy can really help transform the Caribbean and help us manage the cost of living for all of our people,” he said.
Looking Ahead
CARICOM leaders concluded the summit by reaffirming their commitment to expanding regional cooperation to improve affordability, strengthen consumer protections and increase economic resilience across the Caribbean.
Officials said the planned ferry network, renewable energy investments and coordinated economic policies are expected to play key roles in reducing costs for Caribbean families while promoting long-term regional growth.
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