Latest news with #UNGeneralAssembly
Euractiv
9 hours ago
- Health
- Euractiv
Avoidable chronic diseases are Europe's deadliest killers, says Eurostat data
New data from Eurostat show that around 1.1 million deaths per year in Europe could be avoided through smarter public health policies targeting alcohol and tobacco, or better-quality medical care. According to new figures from 2022 released by the EU's official statistics agency on Monday, the deadliest diseases affecting people under 75 in Europe are not caused by viruses, but by chronic health conditions. The agency found that 386,710 deaths were from treatable diseases – avoidable through high-quality medical care – and 725,625 deaths were due to preventable chronic diseases. These include lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and alcohol-related poisoning. Latvia recorded the highest rate of avoidable deaths, followed by Romania and Hungary. Ranking lowest, however, were Sweden, Italy, and Luxembourg. Since 2010, gaps between western and eastern countries have been growing on tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, the WHO found in a recent report. These figures come as countries are preparing to debate the topic at the UN General Assembly in New York this September, where they will address targets for reducing noncommunicable diseases by 2030. The World Health Organization's Europe chief, Hans Kluge, has said the bloc can turn things around and has called for 'bold' prevention policies. A workforce issue? Several unions, including ETUC and EPSU, said the figures reflect a broader problem with the bloc's health workforce, linked to cuts in national and EU-level social spending. According to the OECD, the EU faces a shortage of 1.2 million healthcare workers. Esther Lynch, general secretary of ETUC said that 'despite the heroic daily efforts of healthcare workers regularly doing overtime to make-up for huge shortages, these figures show again that austerity kills.' Alessandro Gallina, a policy officer at non-profit European Public Health Alliance, said that the Eurostat figures "underscore a painful truth: prevention remains key to reducing avoidable deaths, yet the EU's health workforce planning still fails to fully embed it." This also comes as health NGOs – many of which focus on prevention – are concerned about their financial future under the EU's next long-term budget. In June, a few countries, including Belgium, Spain, and Slovenia, called for sustained civil society funding in the MFF. Frank Vandenbroucke, Belgium's health minister, said NGO funding would be crucial for prevention work "independent of lobbies" like the tobacco or food industries. (bms, aw)
Daily News Egypt
21 hours ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Madbouly represents Egypt at 4th UN Conference on Financing for Development in Seville
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly represented President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the opening session of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Seville, Spain, from 30 June to 3 July 2025. The conference brought together King Felipe VI of Spain, over 70 heads of state and government, leaders of international financial institutions, civil society organisations, philanthropic foundations, and private sector representatives—particularly from the energy, food systems, and digital sectors. In his opening remarks, King Felipe VI underscored the urgency of honouring development financing commitments, enhancing multilateral cooperation, and enacting effective policies to support future generations. Speaking at the launch of the Seville Action Platform, Prime Minister Madbouly welcomed the initiative as a timely effort to mobilise governments, development partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to collectively assess challenges, exchange experiences, and promote innovative solutions to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Madbouly highlighted Egypt's leadership within the platform and its recognition as a successful development model, particularly through its implementation of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF)—a tool aligning reforms, investment flows, and the Egypt Vision 2030 strategy. He also pointed to the NWFE (Nexus of Water, Food and Energy) platform as a mechanism for channelling investment into bankable projects within those critical sectors. He noted that Egypt's INFF framework prioritises investment in key areas including education, healthcare, social protection, sanitation, and transport, while also addressing cross-cutting themes such as environmental sustainability and gender equality. He spotlighted Egypt's flagship social programmes—the 'Takaful and Karama' cash transfer scheme and the Decent Life initiative—serving over 60 million people across more than 4,500 villages. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who also serves as President of the Conference, called for substantive reforms to international financial institutions to make them more equitable and representative. He emphasised the importance of inclusive global dialogue to tackle pressing development financing challenges. UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the disruptive effects of geopolitical tensions on development, stressing the need for innovative financing mechanisms and reforms to enhance transparency and inclusivity within global financial systems. UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang echoed these concerns, highlighting the urgency of achieving the 2030 SDGs, alleviating debt burdens on developing countries, and providing accessible financing tools. Representatives from the UN Economic and Social Council, World Bank, IMF, and WTO also called for coordinated action and strengthened support for low-income nations. On the sidelines of the conference, Prime Minister Madbouly met with Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). Madbouly reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting NEPAD's development agenda and pledged to maximise the impact of Egypt's remaining tenure as AUDA-NEPAD chair. Bekele-Thomas outlined recent efforts to mobilise resources, including the creation of a dedicated development fund and the launch of a Centre of Excellence for Climate Resilience. Egypt pledged its support for the centre and reaffirmed its intent to enhance cooperation through its Ministry of Planning and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Madbouly also held talks with Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of Palestine, where he reaffirmed Egypt's steadfast support for Palestinian rights and President El-Sisi's ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire and facilitate Gaza's reconstruction. He stressed the importance of convening a comprehensive reconstruction conference once hostilities cease and confirmed continued coordination with Palestinian authorities. Madbouly expressed his deep gratitude for Egypt's historic and ongoing support, particularly in humanitarian aid and reconstruction. He noted efforts underway to organise an international peace conference in New York and praised Egypt's leadership in advocating for a just solution, including the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Prime Minister Madbouly's participation and high-level meetings reflect Egypt's active diplomatic engagement in shaping global and regional development agendas, and its continued efforts to contribute to international dialogue on sustainable financing.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Outcome not timing the main game for Trump talks: PM
A positive result from a meeting with Donald Trump is more important than how soon a one-on-one with the US president can be arranged, the prime minister says. Anthony Albanese says Australia will press the case for a total removal of US tariffs when he meets with Mr Trump. The pair were due to come face-to-face at the G7 summit in Canada earlier in June but that opportunity was lost at the eleventh hour when the US president left early due to the Middle East conflict. Mr Albanese has faced criticism for a lack of urgency in lining up the meeting,but he said the final result of the discussion mattered more than timing or location. "Where the meeting takes place is less important than what comes out of the meeting, frankly, and I know there is a laser-like focus on this," he told ABC TV on Monday. "I'd be prepared, of course, to meet with President Trump when a suitable time can be organised." An in-person meeting could take place at the next Quad summit, the annual conference involving leaders from Australia, the US, Japan and India. The possibility has also been floated of Mr Albanese stopping by the US in September during the next meeting of the UN General Assembly. Mr Albanese said he would continue to press the case for a removal of all tariffs on Australian exports to the US. "In supporting Australia's national interest, I'll continue to advocate for the best outcome possible," he said. "I look forward to having a meeting and continuing the constructive dialogue that I have had with President Trump up to now." Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan said it was "frankly embarrassing" the prime minister was yet to secure a meeting with Mr Trump. "Resolving trade tensions - particularly tariffs affecting Australian agricultural and manufactured exports - must be a top priority," he said. Tariffs of 10 per cent on all Australian exports, as well as 50 per cent for aluminium and steel products, are due to come into effect on July 9. The UK was able to strike a deal to ensure steel and aluminium exported to the US are subject to 25 per cent levies but the federal government has called for tariffs on Australian goods to be removed altogether. Penny Wong has flown out for Washington DC for a meeting of Quad foreign ministers, which will include talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The one-on-one with Mr Rubio will be a key opportunity to argue for tariff removal to members of the Trump administration. The Quad summit coincides with calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Australia is on track to lift its defence budget to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the federal government holding firm on its spending commitments. The prime minister said he would make the case to the US that Australia was bolstering its defence budget. "We'll invest in whatever capability Australia needs to defend ourselves, and that is the way that you make sure that you maximise the defence of this country," he said. "We've got significant upgrades in our defence capacity coming on board." A positive result from a meeting with Donald Trump is more important than how soon a one-on-one with the US president can be arranged, the prime minister says. Anthony Albanese says Australia will press the case for a total removal of US tariffs when he meets with Mr Trump. The pair were due to come face-to-face at the G7 summit in Canada earlier in June but that opportunity was lost at the eleventh hour when the US president left early due to the Middle East conflict. Mr Albanese has faced criticism for a lack of urgency in lining up the meeting,but he said the final result of the discussion mattered more than timing or location. "Where the meeting takes place is less important than what comes out of the meeting, frankly, and I know there is a laser-like focus on this," he told ABC TV on Monday. "I'd be prepared, of course, to meet with President Trump when a suitable time can be organised." An in-person meeting could take place at the next Quad summit, the annual conference involving leaders from Australia, the US, Japan and India. The possibility has also been floated of Mr Albanese stopping by the US in September during the next meeting of the UN General Assembly. Mr Albanese said he would continue to press the case for a removal of all tariffs on Australian exports to the US. "In supporting Australia's national interest, I'll continue to advocate for the best outcome possible," he said. "I look forward to having a meeting and continuing the constructive dialogue that I have had with President Trump up to now." Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan said it was "frankly embarrassing" the prime minister was yet to secure a meeting with Mr Trump. "Resolving trade tensions - particularly tariffs affecting Australian agricultural and manufactured exports - must be a top priority," he said. Tariffs of 10 per cent on all Australian exports, as well as 50 per cent for aluminium and steel products, are due to come into effect on July 9. The UK was able to strike a deal to ensure steel and aluminium exported to the US are subject to 25 per cent levies but the federal government has called for tariffs on Australian goods to be removed altogether. Penny Wong has flown out for Washington DC for a meeting of Quad foreign ministers, which will include talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The one-on-one with Mr Rubio will be a key opportunity to argue for tariff removal to members of the Trump administration. The Quad summit coincides with calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Australia is on track to lift its defence budget to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the federal government holding firm on its spending commitments. The prime minister said he would make the case to the US that Australia was bolstering its defence budget. "We'll invest in whatever capability Australia needs to defend ourselves, and that is the way that you make sure that you maximise the defence of this country," he said. "We've got significant upgrades in our defence capacity coming on board." A positive result from a meeting with Donald Trump is more important than how soon a one-on-one with the US president can be arranged, the prime minister says. Anthony Albanese says Australia will press the case for a total removal of US tariffs when he meets with Mr Trump. The pair were due to come face-to-face at the G7 summit in Canada earlier in June but that opportunity was lost at the eleventh hour when the US president left early due to the Middle East conflict. Mr Albanese has faced criticism for a lack of urgency in lining up the meeting,but he said the final result of the discussion mattered more than timing or location. "Where the meeting takes place is less important than what comes out of the meeting, frankly, and I know there is a laser-like focus on this," he told ABC TV on Monday. "I'd be prepared, of course, to meet with President Trump when a suitable time can be organised." An in-person meeting could take place at the next Quad summit, the annual conference involving leaders from Australia, the US, Japan and India. The possibility has also been floated of Mr Albanese stopping by the US in September during the next meeting of the UN General Assembly. Mr Albanese said he would continue to press the case for a removal of all tariffs on Australian exports to the US. "In supporting Australia's national interest, I'll continue to advocate for the best outcome possible," he said. "I look forward to having a meeting and continuing the constructive dialogue that I have had with President Trump up to now." Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan said it was "frankly embarrassing" the prime minister was yet to secure a meeting with Mr Trump. "Resolving trade tensions - particularly tariffs affecting Australian agricultural and manufactured exports - must be a top priority," he said. Tariffs of 10 per cent on all Australian exports, as well as 50 per cent for aluminium and steel products, are due to come into effect on July 9. The UK was able to strike a deal to ensure steel and aluminium exported to the US are subject to 25 per cent levies but the federal government has called for tariffs on Australian goods to be removed altogether. Penny Wong has flown out for Washington DC for a meeting of Quad foreign ministers, which will include talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The one-on-one with Mr Rubio will be a key opportunity to argue for tariff removal to members of the Trump administration. The Quad summit coincides with calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Australia is on track to lift its defence budget to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the federal government holding firm on its spending commitments. The prime minister said he would make the case to the US that Australia was bolstering its defence budget. "We'll invest in whatever capability Australia needs to defend ourselves, and that is the way that you make sure that you maximise the defence of this country," he said. "We've got significant upgrades in our defence capacity coming on board." A positive result from a meeting with Donald Trump is more important than how soon a one-on-one with the US president can be arranged, the prime minister says. Anthony Albanese says Australia will press the case for a total removal of US tariffs when he meets with Mr Trump. The pair were due to come face-to-face at the G7 summit in Canada earlier in June but that opportunity was lost at the eleventh hour when the US president left early due to the Middle East conflict. Mr Albanese has faced criticism for a lack of urgency in lining up the meeting,but he said the final result of the discussion mattered more than timing or location. "Where the meeting takes place is less important than what comes out of the meeting, frankly, and I know there is a laser-like focus on this," he told ABC TV on Monday. "I'd be prepared, of course, to meet with President Trump when a suitable time can be organised." An in-person meeting could take place at the next Quad summit, the annual conference involving leaders from Australia, the US, Japan and India. The possibility has also been floated of Mr Albanese stopping by the US in September during the next meeting of the UN General Assembly. Mr Albanese said he would continue to press the case for a removal of all tariffs on Australian exports to the US. "In supporting Australia's national interest, I'll continue to advocate for the best outcome possible," he said. "I look forward to having a meeting and continuing the constructive dialogue that I have had with President Trump up to now." Nationals deputy leader Kevin Hogan said it was "frankly embarrassing" the prime minister was yet to secure a meeting with Mr Trump. "Resolving trade tensions - particularly tariffs affecting Australian agricultural and manufactured exports - must be a top priority," he said. Tariffs of 10 per cent on all Australian exports, as well as 50 per cent for aluminium and steel products, are due to come into effect on July 9. The UK was able to strike a deal to ensure steel and aluminium exported to the US are subject to 25 per cent levies but the federal government has called for tariffs on Australian goods to be removed altogether. Penny Wong has flown out for Washington DC for a meeting of Quad foreign ministers, which will include talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The one-on-one with Mr Rubio will be a key opportunity to argue for tariff removal to members of the Trump administration. The Quad summit coincides with calls from the US for Australia to lift its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP. Australia is on track to lift its defence budget to 2.3 per cent by 2033/34, with the federal government holding firm on its spending commitments. The prime minister said he would make the case to the US that Australia was bolstering its defence budget. "We'll invest in whatever capability Australia needs to defend ourselves, and that is the way that you make sure that you maximise the defence of this country," he said. "We've got significant upgrades in our defence capacity coming on board."
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan reaffirms unwavering belief in multilateralism
Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering belief in multilateralism, preventive diplomacy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes as the UN General Assembly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the singing of the UN Charter, calling it a "pillar of international peace, justice, and cooperation". "Let this anniversary be not only a moment of remembrance, but also a call to actiona collective pledge to restore trust in multilateralism and to revitalise the very ideals upon which United Nations was founded," Pakistani delegate Saima Saleem told the Assembly's special meeting, highlighting the outstanding issues of Palestine and Kashmir. Representatives of 50 nations signed the Charter in San Francisco, California, on June 26, 1945, with Poland signing later, bringing the total to 51 founding members, according to the UN. It came into effect on October 24, 1945, after ratification by the signatory nations. From 50 members in 1945, the United Nations' membership has now grown to 193. At the outset of the commemoration, General Assembly President Philemon Yang described the moment as "symbolic" but somber, noting ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, and the growing challenges to multilateralism. He urged nations to choose diplomacy over force and uphold the Charter's vision of peace and human dignity: "We must seize the moment and choose dialogue and diplomacy instead of destructive wars." Ms Saleem, a counsellor at the Pakistan Mission the UN, said In the eight decades since 1945, the UN has served as a beacon of hope for countless nations and peoples. "The Charter's principlessovereign equality, right to self-determination, non-use of force, respect for human rights, and the peaceful settlement of disputes remain as vital and relevant today as they were at San Francisco," she said. "Yet, the world we inhabit is fraught with new and complex challenges: Ongoing conflicts, foreign occupation, climate change, inequalities, and violations of international law demand renewed commitment to the Charternot in words alone, but in collective action," the Pakistani delegate said. "Nowhere is this more urgent than in the case of long-standing disputes such as Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine, where the non-implementation of Security Council resolutions continues to deny people their right to self-determination."
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
8 Days, 5 Nations: How PM Modi Packs His Itinerary To Cover Maximum Ground
Last Updated: It will also be yet another example of PM Modi's hallmark of packing his itinerary to the hilt to get the most out of his time on such official trips When Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on an eight-day-long five-nation tour on July 2, it will be among his longest and most expansive foreign tours, covering two continents. It will also be yet another example of PM Modi's hallmark of packing his itinerary to the hilt to get the most out of his time on such official trips. The last time PM Modi went on a 5-nation trip before this was in 2016 to the USA, Mexico, Switzerland, Afghanistan, and Qatar from June 4 to June 8 that year. This time, he is visiting Ghana, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, and Namibia for eight days between July 2 and July 9. This will include spending four days in Brazil for the BRICS summit. PM Modi has once visited six nations in one trip that also lasted eight days – these were Russia and five Central Asian countries in July 2015. Another 8-day-long trip by PM Modi was in 2019, to the USA. The PM had then visited three cities – New York, Houston, and Chicago. Modi then attended the UN General Assembly and met then-President Donald Trump at the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston. PM Modi's longest trip at nine days was in 2015 when he visited France, Germany and Canada, and in 2014, he had made a 9-day long trip to Myanmar, Australia and Fiji. The secret here is having a very tight itinerary with back-to-back engagements and travelling on many occasions by night to save time and not spending many nights in hotels abroad. Many a time, the checked-in baggage on PM's flights remains on the plane as the itinerary is so packed. PM Modi will embark from Delhi for Ghana on July 2. This will be the Prime Minister's first-ever bilateral visit to Ghana. This Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana is taking place after three decades. In the second leg of his visit, at the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, PM Modi will pay an Official Visit to Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) from July 3-4. This will be his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level to T&T since 1999. The Prime Minister is also expected to address a Joint Session of the Parliament of T&T. In the third leg of his visit, at the invitation of Argentine President Javier Milei, the Prime Minister will travel to Argentina on an Official Visit from July 4-5. In the fourth leg of his visit, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Prime Minister will travel to Brazil from July 5-8, 2025, to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025 followed by a State Visit. This will be the Prime Minister's fourth visit to Brazil. The Prime Minister is also likely to hold several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Summit. In the final leg of his visit, at the invitation of Namibian President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Prime Minister will embark on a State Visit to Namibia on July 9. This will be the first visit of the Prime Minister to Namibia, and the third ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia. First Published:
