WHO Member States Adopt Historic Pandemic Agreement
In May 2025, WHO Member States adopted a landmark Pandemic Agreement to enhance global collaboration and ensure equitable access to health products for future pandemics, with a key Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system to be negotiated.
Source: WHO
US Accuses China of Violating Trade De-escalation Deal Amid Renewed Tensions
President Trump accused China in late May 2025 of violating a recent trade de-escalation deal by failing to lift non-tariff barriers, particularly on critical mineral exports, reigniting U.S.-China trade tensions.
Source: AP News
WHO Assembly Approves Updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
The World Health Assembly in May 2025 approved updating the Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, aiming for a 10% reduction in AMR-related deaths by 2030 through a collaborative "One Health" approach.
Source: WHO
UN Report Downgrades 2025 Global Economic Growth Forecast to 2.4% Amid Trade Tensions
A June 2025 UN report lowered the global economic growth forecast for 2025 to 2.4%, down from 2.9% in 2024, primarily due to heightened trade tensions, including U.S. tariff policies, and intensified policy uncertainty.
Source: United Nations
World Bank Launches Landmark US$100M Education Project in Papua New Guinea
The World Bank announced a US$100 million project in May 2025 to improve early learning for over 375,000 children in Papua New Guinea by enhancing teacher quality, school resources, and addressing systemic educational challenges.
Source: World Bank
Colombia Reports Significant 33% Drop in Deforestation in Early 2025
Colombia announced a 33% decrease in deforestation in the first quarter of 2025, with significant gains in Amazon parks, attributing the success to community engagement and crackdowns on environmental crime, though challenges persist.
Source: AP News
WHO Adopts First-Ever Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health
The World Health Assembly adopted its first Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health (2025-2028) in May 2025, aiming to build climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems and integrate health into climate policies.
Source: WHO
UNCTAD: Sustainable Ocean Economy Valued at $2.2 Trillion, Faces Climate and Financial Threats
A June 2025 UNCTAD report valued global ocean trade at $2.2 trillion in 2023 but warned of severe threats from climate change, pollution, and underfunding, proposing a $2.8 trillion "Blue Deal" for sustainability.
Source: UN Trade & Development
G7 Finance Ministers Address Economic Imbalances, Non-Market Policies, and Illicit Trade Risks
In May 2025, G7 Finance Ministers committed to addressing global economic imbalances, the impact of non-market policies and practices, and emerging risks from illicit trade facilitated by low-value cross-border shipments.
Source: G7 News