Navigating the Legal Landscape: Key Industry Updates (June 2025)

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