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Jane Castor highlights economic growth, public works as Tampa heads into 2026
'The City of Tampa is heading into 2026 with big plans and even bigger gratitude for this community.'
New Rep. Thompson law cuts red tape, protects small business owners
“When we have multiple layers of bureaucracy, we are actively pushing entrepreneurs and small business owners out of our state,” said Thompson, of Brownstown Township. “This new law will support economic independence and sustainability for people who often face significant barriers to business ownership. The era of government nickel and diming hardworking people must end."
German business groups expect job cuts in 2026 as economic crisis drags on
A majority of German business associations expect job cuts in 2026 as the country's economic crisis persists, with industry hit hardest by global protectionism and weak exports, a survey by the German Economic Institute IW showed on Monday.
Sports tourism is a top regional economic opportunity - Talk Business & Politics
After arriving in Fayetteville, it doesn’t take long to realize that sports are woven into the city’s DNA. From Razorback game days to the cyclists on our trails to families...
Trump's economic policies bring small business optimism to 'all-time highs'
SBA Administrator Kelly Loefller joins 'Sunday Morning Futures' to discuss the impact of President Donald Trump's economic policies on small businesses.
Jim Cramer on International Business Machines: “It’s Still Cheap”
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer discussed along with macroeconomic conditions. Cramer called the company stock cheap despite a noteworthy run, as he stated: “I also asked if some of the legacy tech giants, like Cisco and IBM, could continue the better performance they’ve been putting up, and I’m […]
NH's Business: Developing initiatives & projects within the Monadnock Region
Fred Kocher sits down with Cody Morrison with Monadnock Economic Development Cooperation to talk about forging business partnerships within the Monadnock Region.
What does 2026 hold for business, La. economy? Here's what to expect in the new year
Across Louisiana, 2025 was a banner year for economic development, with announcements promising billions of dollars in investments and thousands of new jobs.
Don't rule out EU customs union, TUC boss Nowak tells Starmer
Trade unionist Paul Nowak says he wants to see the "closest possible" economic relationship with the EU.
M&T Bank discusses business banking trends, 2026 economic outlook
Shannon Lazare, business banking market manager for New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island at M&T Bank, discusses the shifting economic conditions outlook for 2026.
Inside Iowa Politics: Issues to watch in 2026
Iowa lawmakers begin the 2026 session on January 12th with economic, health, education, and workforce questions to consider.
The economy is growing. That doesn't mean companies are hiring more.
Can't find a job, but keep hearing that the economy is strong? That might be the economic story of 2026.
Trump rings in Christmas Day with a flurry of posts denouncing perceived foes and casting doubt on the 2020 election
The president posted on Truth Social over 100 times overnight, also touting his own economic policies and efforts to end foreign wars.
'Radical Left Scum.' Trump Xmas cheer greets rivals, heralds economy
Trump heralded Christmas with messages criticizing 'Radical Left Scum' and promoting the country's economic growth.
Houston hailed as one of America's 10 best cities for startups
Houston's favorable economic climate is enticing entrepreneurs.
Native American entrepreneurs expanding business opportunities in North Dakota
The Department of Commerce says entrepreneurship is growing in the state of North Dakota. Native American business owners are playing a growing role in that economic momentum.
Obama Foundation partner expands vendor network for small businesses
Emerald South Economic Development Collaborative said more than 75 Chicago area organizations have joined its network to collectively negotiate service contracts, which will help lower costs.
The top 5 major African cities with the best health care at the end of 2025
A high healthcare index was more indicative of long-term national competitiveness, social stability, and economic resilience than it was of hospital quality or doctor accessibility
Gold, silver and platinum hit record highs as investors look for Santa rally; BP to sell stake in Castrol for $6bn
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
NJBIA Business Outlook Survey Spotlight: NJ's Economic Climate
NJBIA released its 67th annual Business Outlook Survey on Dec. 2. While much of the attention of the survey focused on 2055 energy cost increases and
Business owners stress economic damage from power outage in San Francisco
Some local business owners are just starting to figure out just how much economic damage was done by the holiday weekend outage in San Francisco.
Year in review: Trump's economy : The NPR Politics Podcast
As we approach 2026, the NPR Politics Podcast is taking a look back at the year that was in different political areas. Today, we look at President Trump's handling of the economy, including his tariff policy.This episode: political correspondent Sarah McCammon, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Economic growth surges in late summer, the highest in two years
“This was the strongest six months of growth since late in 2023, but it certainly didn’t feel that way for most people,” one analyst said.
Tesla sales fall across Europe again as BYD surges
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
The Best of BoF 2025: Fashion and Sports Forge a Powerful Alliance
As the fashion world navigated a tough year filled with macroeconomic headwinds and deep consumer pessimism in key marketplaces, the sports industry proved to be a bit of a guiding light.
10 Major Business Openings, Closings, Developments For South Jersey In 2025
Smaller establishments closed, bigger names took root, and signs of the changing political and economic landscapes were visible throughout.
The power of women's sports: Oregon becoming a female sports mecca
On this edition we talk with Kyra Buckley of OPB about her recent reporting that shows in a sluggish state economy, women's sports are doing much better economically than other industries in Oregon.
Apple Clings to Samsung as RAM Prices Soar
Apple is significantly increasing its reliance on Samsung for iPhone memory as component prices surge, according to The Korea Economic Daily. Apple is said to be expanding the share of iPhone memory it sources from Samsung due to rapidly rising memory prices. The shift is expected to result in Samsung supplying roughly 60% to 70% of the low-power DRAM used in the iPhone 17, compared with a more even split with SK Hynix in previous generations, with Micron also participating as a smaller supplier.
San Mateo seeks to solidify local business
As San Mateo approves a three-year economic development plan, the City Council reiterated the need for diversifying its small business base — ensuring key establishments such as grocery stores and
Risk, hard work and sacrifice: Hispanic small business owners fight and thrive
Hispanics across North Texas have invested their life savings into small businesses even amid economic turbulence and immigration anxieties.
Gold and silver hit record highs amid rate-cut bets and Venezuela tensions
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Colorado businesses push through power outages during holiday season
Many Colorado businesses tried to keep the doors open during the recent power shutoffs despite the drop in foot traffic. Now, they're hoping customers will return in greater numbers ahead of the coming Christmas holiday.
Business datebook for the week of Dec. 21
Economic indicators, tubas and college football bowl games are among the key business events in Dallas-Fort Worth the week of Dec. 21-28.
Trump administration plans to break up National Center for Atmospheric Research
Scientific organizations say the move is "dangerous" and would "hurt the economic health of the nation."
Merry boycotting: US shoppers avoid Trump-aligned businesses amid holiday season
People are supporting economic boycotts to show discontent with businesses capitulating to Trump’s agenda
Trump hits the road in his campaign to change perceptions of the economy
The president's speech in North Carolina included lengthy asides that had little to do with the core message the White House is trying to push about his economic agenda.
Colorado’s business competitiveness shows cracks as investment drifts out of state
Business experts say 2025 was a mixed bag for Colorado’s business climate. Rankings from business leader surveys, state and federal organizations and news sites paint a murky picture for the region’s competitiveness as economic factors...
US Health Agency Announces Two Medicare Pilot Programs on Drug Pricing
Dec 19 (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Friday announced pilot programs to start in 2026 and 2027 that are aimed at reducing out-of-pocket drug costs under the Medicare healthcare program for older and disabled Americans to prices on par with economically comparable countries. The Centers ...
Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance awards 25 small business grants
The grants were awarded in three categories — startup, micro, and small business — and can be used for expenses such as equipment, inventory, software and hardware, marketing, furniture, consulting services, and licensing or certification fees.
Opinion: Chicago's civic power players must act now on Latino representation
In a city where Latinos, especially Mexicans, are essential to economic growth and workforce strength, their lack of representation on key leadership platforms is notable.
The Business of Sports Tourism: How Dallas Converts Sporting Events Into Long-Term Economic Growth
On the DLC Drop Podcast, Dallas Sports Commission Executive Director Monica Paul explains how the region recruits major sporting events—and what hosting nine 2026 FIFA World Cup matches means for Dallas–Fort Worth’s economy, community, and global brand.
Economic anxiety has Texas manufacturers and retailers on edge
The latest tranche of Texas Business Outlook Surveys from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas was released the last week in November. The outlook self-described ...
Choose New Jersey Celebrates Historic Gains in International Business Attraction During the Murphy Administration
Expanded global presence, international missions, and more than 80 MOUs strengthened economic, academic, and cultural partnerships, elevating New Jersey’s reputation as a destination for business growth. Newark, New Jersey — Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, is celebrating New Jersey’s enhanced reputation as a global destination for business growth. Since Governor Murphy[...]
Trump debuted a new affordability script. It’s unclear to advisers whether he’ll stick to it
The White House is heading into a critical midterm year beset by economic challenges, as it tries to manage stubbornly high prices, a frustrated electorate and a commander-in-chief who struggles to show sympathy toward voters’ pain.
Manor College Receives Commonwealth Grant for Dental Health Center Expansion
The grant will go towards increasing the size and modernizing the Dental Health Center on Manor College’s campus. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has granted Local Share Account funds that will benefit the expansion and renovation of Manor College’s Dental Health Center. “We are thrilled to move this project forward in such Read more >
New Zealand Consumer, Business Optimism to Stoke Economic Growth
New Zealand business confidence soared to a three-decade high in December and the mood of consumers also surged, adding to signs of further economic expansion in the fourth quarter and into 2026.
Trump uses prime-time speech to blame Biden, immigrants for economy woes : The NPR Politics Podcast
President Trump used his prime-time speech Wednesday night to blame the country’s ongoing economic challenges on the Biden administration. We discuss what we learned from the speech and whether it is likely to sway Americans who don’t already support Trump. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development Shares New $10 Million State Investment and Resource Platform for Small Businesses
HAGERSTOWN, MD (December 18, 2025) The Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development is sharing new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small business owners following Governor Wes Moore’s announcement of a $10 million statewide investment and the launch of the Maryland Community Business Compass—a new online platform designed to help businesses start, grow, and expand. The Maryland Community […]
FSU’s graduate economics program joins National Association for Business Economics partner program, expands student opportunity
The Master’s of Science in Applied Economics program (MAEP) in the Department of Economics at Florida State University has joined the prestigious National
Katherine Ho, esteemed health economist and ‘true role model,’ dies at 53
Ho, the John L. Weinberg Professor of Economics and Business Policy, was “a brilliant scholar, a charismatic teacher and a devoted adviser,” said department chair Wolfgang Pesendorfer. A memorial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York.
Bank of England expected to announce pre-Christmas interest rate cut today
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Poll: The affordability crisis is disrupting politics in 1 country after another
The international poll illustrates the uphill battle many leaders face in trying to contain the intertwined economic and political backlash.
San Francisco mayor, local business owner talk about city’s economic recovery
Trump to address the nation amid economic pressure, tensions with Venezuela
The president is expected to tout his economic accomplishments during his first year back in office.
Xbox Sales Are Down 70% Year-Over-Year With PS5 Down 40%
Xbox, PlayStation and even Nintendo are suffering from very low console sales due to price hikes, economic conditions and more.
Germany’s Business Outlook Deteriorates More Than Expected
German business confidence dipped in December, underscoring the challenges for Europe’s largest economy to overcome years of economic weakness.
Russia's wartime economic relationship with China is critical, but an 'embarrassing reversal': think tank
China buys Russian oil and gas at steep discounts while supplying Moscow with machinery and electronics as Western sanctions tighten.
How business leaders can adapt and thrive when uncertainty is a certainty
In an economic landscape defined by uncertainty, resilience is now an imperative for business success. Here's what organizations must do to foster that.
9-1-1: Nashville brings jobs, signals growth for Tennessee’s entertainment industry
The production of “9-1-1: Nashville” has already created more than 600 jobs and generated an estimated $50 million in economic impact statewide, according to the Tennessee Entertainment…
Trump orders ‘total and complete blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers coming to and leaving Venezuela
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was ordering a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers coming to and leaving from Venezuela, ratcheting up pressure against leader Nicolás Maduro’s regime and suggesting an economic motive to the US’ military campaign in the region.
Irish Growth to Moderate on Hiring Slowdown, Business Lobby Says
Ireland’s biggest business lobby group expects economic growth to moderate in 2026 on a hiring slowdown.
Politics and Disasters Challenge Thai, Indonesian Central Banks
Central banks in Thailand and Indonesia will make their last interest rate decisions of 2025 under a cloud of economic challenges from politics to weather.
Dunn Economic Development announces recipients of Dunn County Small Business Development Grant
The grant has been awarded to 27 small businesses and startups across Dunn County.
Kelly Born on All the Ways AI Is Changing Politics
Yascha Mounk and Kelly Born discuss the socioeconomic impact of artificial intelligence.
Chincoteague Island featured in Business View Magazine
Chincoteague has been featured in Business View Magazine as part of the publication’s ongoing series highlighting economic growth and best practices in cities and towns across North America. The feature is based on an in-depth interview between Chincoteague Mayor Denise Bowden and Business View Magazine Editor-in-Chief Karen Surca, focusing on how the island community balances tourism-driven prosperity with long-term sustainability ... Read More
Trump administration takes its economic message to Pennsylvania again as Vance heads to swing state
President Donald Trump bragged to Pennsylvanians last week that he’d delivered an “unbelievable” economy. Now, it’s up to Vice President JD Vance to explain why they’re not yet feeling the benefits.
UK jobs market continues to weaken as unemployment hits four-year high and wage growth slows
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Sports generate up to $280 million in local economic activity for Colorado Springs, study finds
The inaugural Pikes Peak Sports Economy Report was released this month.
OPB’s First Look: Women’s sports could be an economic win for Portland
How the WNBA and NWSL could factor into the city's post-pandemic economy. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
Oregon’s economy is struggling, but its women’s sports industry could be a lifeline
The state’s economy has yet to recover from the pandemic, but leaders hope the success of women’s sports can help spark economic growth while preserving its grassroots culture.
Oregon’s economy is struggling, but its women’s sports industry could be a lifeline
The state’s economy has yet to recover from the pandemic, but leaders hope the success of women’s sports can help spark economic growth while preserving its grassroots culture.
Doctors, health care services contribute billions to Idaho’s economy, new report shows
The report on the economic impact of Idaho doctors and the health care sector comes weeks before the Idaho Legislature meets in 2026.
Banking and Finance Quarterly: BMO Cementing its role - Los Angeles Business Journal
As we prepare to bid adieu to 2025 – a year defined by economic uncertainty, high interest rates and fear of a possible recession – mark your calendars
Tiempo: Hispanic Federation discusses goals for 2026, latest maternal health initiatives
The Hispanic Federation's focus has always been to strengthen the Latino community through education, economic empowerment, immigration, health and much more.
With new tech and science roadmap, New Mexico looks to turn research strength into economic growth
Nora Meyers Sackett says New Mexico’s small, intertwined tech ecosystem can sometimes suffer from si ...
Innovate Alabama can be incredibly important to our state’s economic future: op-ed
Innovate Alabama is small in appropriation but monumental in potential
Florida's Latino families being squeezed financially by high health care, child care costs
The findings, released by Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors and UnidosUS, the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights group, paint a portrait of a rapidly growing electorate that is highly engaged on economic and social issues but increasingly strained by the rising cost of living in the Sunshine State.
Florida's Latino families being squeezed financially by high health care, child care costs
The findings, released by Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors and UnidosUS, the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights group, paint a portrait of a rapidly growing electorate that is highly engaged on economic and social issues but increasingly strained by the rising cost of living in the Sunshine State.
Anti-immigrant politics move from Europe’s fringe to the mainstream
From London marches to hardening government policies, rising migration and economic anxiety are fuelling a surge in nationalist rhetoric and reshaping Europe’s political centre.
Democrat likens Trump’s economic messaging to famous Ron Burgundy moment
Week in Politics: Redistricting; Trump's economic messaging; Obamacare subsidies
We discuss the week's political news, including the latest developments in congressional redistricting, President Trump's economic messaging, and the expiration of Obamacare subsidies.
BIA Business Perspective: Connecting political and business leaders creates solutions
At the BIA’s 11th annual Leadership Summit this week a consistent theme arose: access to talent and available workforce is critical for New Hampshire’s economic future.
Using your superpower: Language and International Business alumna shares her journey from humanities student to business owner
Michelle Wiltse graduated from Clemson in 2018 with degrees in Language and International Business and Economics. Today she owns her own animal wellness company: CompanAIn. Michelle Wiltse graduated from Clemson in 2018 with degrees in Language and International Business and Economics. Today she owns her own animal wellness company: CompanAIn.
The Paris Agreement Fueled A Decade Of Economic Growth, With Business Leading The Way
A decade after the Paris Agreement, U.S. economic competitiveness depends on continued global business leadership
Trump calls affordability a "hoax"; Democrats take note
In the first year of his second term, President Donald Trump has focused his attention on foreign policy and made numerous trips abroad – with an eye toward the Nobel Peace Prize. But as he discusses peace deals with foreign leaders, his ratings domestically have fallen. Critics say that he isn’t doing enough to ease American’s economic concerns. So, this week, Trump returned his attention stateside and kicked off his affordability tour in Pennsylvania, while simultaneously branding “affordability” as a democratic “hoax.” Today on the politics roundtable, we discuss why Trump’s tour signals the administration’s concerns about the politics of affordability, and how some Democrats could use this as a way to gain an edge during the 2026 midterms. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with Dan Merica, the co-anchor of our politics newsletter, The Early Brief, and White House Bureau Chief Matt Viser.
Cook County property tax incentives need a refresh: study
A new study could lay the groundwork for big changes to Cook County's incentive programs designed to spur economic development.
Why America gave up on economists
Both parties have turned their backs on traditional economic advice. Is the country paying the price?
Rachel Reeves to blame for economy shrinking before budget, Tories claim
Shadow chancellor says unexpected contraction is ‘direct result of Labour’s economic mismanagement’
UK GDP report to show if economy struggled in October before the budget
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Health and safety rules holding UK infrastructure back, says writer of government report
Exclusive: John Fingleton says regulators need to change their attitude to risk to end the country’s economic stagnation
China Is Heading for Another ‘Lackluster’ Economic Health Check
Key economic data for November are set to show China’s domestic demand remained subdued — or even weakened further — offsetting the country’s solid performance in exports.
Google's New Browser Promises to End the Tyranny of the Tab
Google’s AI browser Disco builds apps from your tabs but opens questions on privacy, accuracy, and how it affects the open web’s economics.
Cleveland’s Independent Music and Comedy Venues Drive $742.5 Million in Economic Impact, New Study Finds
A kernel from the study: The city’s venues account for nearly 50 percent of the indie live entertainment GDP of the Buckeye State, more than 28 states.
Pittsburgh’s Strength as Business Center Fuels Aer Lingus Entry into Market
With today’s announcement that Aer Lingus is introducing nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Dublin Airport, Pittsburgh and Ireland have the opportunity to build on the powerful business and cultural connection that drives economic development in both regions. Flights on Aer Lingus, the Irish flag carrier, start on May 25, 2026, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
Brazil’s Business Elite Keeps Hope Alive for Centrist Candidate
A key member of one of Brazil’s most prominent business groups is holding out hope for a centrist candidate to emerge in next year’s presidential election, criticizing the left and right for failing to address the South American nation’s economic and social challenges.
Thirty Years of Onion Politics: Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement
The Dayton Peace Agreement ended the Bosnian War, establishing the constitutional framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It achieved its immediate aim of ending direct violence, yet ended up creating a state apparatus that obstructs social equality and economic sovereignty. This Spotlight argues that the evaluation of its success must take two problems into account: the cementation of ethnic categories as foundational levels of governance and the resulting failure to address or transform war legacies; and the institutionalized international involvement undermining democratic self-determination.
Republicans worry Trump is missing the mark on affordability
President Donald Trump’s high-profile economic speech on Tuesday night was meant to alleviate Americans’ concerns about the cost of living. Instead, it mainly appeared to deepen fears within the GOP that he’s not quite getting it.
Oracle shares slide as earnings fail to ease AI bubble fears
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Oracle shares slide as earnings fail to ease AI bubble fears
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
The New WHO Pandemic Treaty and Global Health Governance: Incorporating Common but Differentiated Responsibilities into PABS - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Assembly unanimously adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement, an international treaty designed to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The product of three years of arduous negotiations, the treaty marks a new era of global cooperation in public health. However, core aspects of the agreement remain unresolved—notably the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System, which is intended to ensure equitable access to pandemic-related materials and benefits. To support the successful implementation of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Introduction For the first time, an international treaty has enshrined the principle of “One Health,” the compelling idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment all contribute to pandemic risks. SARS (2003), H1N1 (2009–10), Ebola (2014–16), and COVID-19 all emerged through zoonotic spillover from animal hosts—respectively, civets, hogs, and bats. Together, they underscore the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. The Pandemic Agreement responds to this call, requiring state parties to acknowledge the ecological interplay and commit to a comprehensive “One Health” strategy. Specifically, Article 5 charges governments to address “the drivers of pandemics and the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease at the human-animal-environment interface,” including wild animal markets, deforestation, and antibiotic overuse. Yet the effectiveness of this “One Health” vision depends equally on the free flow of scientific information and data among countries and institutions. Just as environmental and animal health factors have been neglected in past global frameworks, so too has data sharing been marginalized, despite its centrality to timely detection and response. The Pandemic Agreement takes an important step by requiring governments to enhance data collection and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO). However, these provisions will remain aspirational without a robust Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) annex. The PABS system will determine whether countries and researchers can rapidly exchange pathogen samples and genetic data while ensuring equitable access to resulting research and development, including diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Without such mechanisms, the treaty’s promise to operationalize “One Health” and strengthen global preparedness will risk becoming largely symbolic, echoing earlier failures to translate shared principles into coordinated action. Equity Concerns When the 2025 Health Assembly adopted the Pandemic Agreement, it left the difficult question of access to pathogens and the sharing of resulting benefits to be addressed in a separate agreement. Negotiations on this separate agreement, PABS, are now underway in Geneva. Yet governments remain divided over fundamental questions of equity between the countries that primarily contribute to the system and those that primarily draw from it—and consequently benefit. For example, wildlife in countries bordering the equator is likely to produce PABS materials, but companies in Europe are likely to use them to develop lucrative products. The most likely contributor countries are likely to be those biodiverse countries around the equator, such as Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia, where the number of human-mammalian viral host interactions is large. Conversely, countries most likely to benefit from this material are those with the technology, investors, and infrastructure to capitalize on genomic data, such as the United States, EU member states, and Japan. This imbalance reflects a broader pattern seen in prior international frameworks. Now, as in the past, the wealthiest countries in the world (a useful heuristic is membership of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)) disproportionately benefit from systems in which pathogens and genomic sequencing data are contributed to a common source. Under the International Agreement on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (the “Plant Treaty” or “Seed Treaty”) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, companies from Europe and North America disproportionately withdraw biological samples and data for development into lucrative medical products. Their governments and companies have both statutory and contractual claims to the products that those companies correspondingly produce. PABS appears poised to follow the same pattern. The text calls for strong language on access to pathogens and associated data, but the corresponding benefits that should flow to poorer countries are couched in equivocal or non-binding language. Common but Differentiated Responsibilities To address these inequities, the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” should be formally incorporated into the negotiating agenda of the PABS annex. Common but differentiated responsibilities are often a feature of climate change negotiations. The basic principle is that, even though all countries should reduce carbon emissions, governments that became rich and powerful through massive carbon emissions (e.g., France, the United Kingdom, the United States) should have a greater obligation to address the resulting crises. Applied to PABS, it would require that governments hosting and supporting companies developing lucrative products carry greater obligations toward the cost of running the PABS system; share benefits or final medical products; and transfer technology to help countries worldwide develop their own capacities to innovate and manufacture vaccines during an emergency. For example, an annex could mandate that any company based in an OECD country that withdraws PABS material would be obligated to donate the resulting diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines to the WHO during a public health emergency or pandemic. Questions remain about how robust those donations would be, but the principle is that they should deliver highly significant lifesaving benefits to be equitably shared. Theoretically, this approach mirrors the PIP Framework, in which companies withdrawing influenza samples are required to pay half of the operating costs. In practice, however, the framework has fallen short. The PIP Framework Secretariat has struggled to secure payments from companies, with companies often disagreeing over how much is owed. Additionally, without another pandemic influenza to test the strength of the agreement during a public health emergency, corporate compliance with sharing mechanisms remains unknown. Even if these limitations did not characterize the PIP Framework, partially paying for operating expenses does not address the inequity in access to genetic data and pathogen samples that left less developed countries last in line for COVID-19 vaccines (and, before them, H1N1). Common but differentiated responsibilities would go further, addressing governments’ legitimate grievances regarding information sharing. It would make withdrawals of PABS material and resulting products more transparent, building trust across the board. Enforcement and Enduring Success A key implication of this approach is that the governing mechanism of the PABS must have real enforcement authority. The WHO Pandemic Agreement delegates its core governance responsibilities to a Conference of the Parties (COP)—a governing body composed of one representative from each participating government, similar to those established under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The proposed WHO Pandemic Agreement COP is charged with oversight functions but ultimately possesses no real authority to compel a government to take any action it does not wish to take. The text does not give the COP the ability to, for example, sanction a party that does not comply with either textual obligations or PABS provisions. In other words, there are no effective mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. Perhaps just as significant, establishing a meaningful enforcement mechanism within the PABS system would strengthen the WHO’s credibility and its ability to ensure compliance across global health governance. By setting a precedent for accountability, such a mechanism could enhance the organization’s authority not only within the Pandemic Agreement but also in enforcing the revised International Health Regulations and other frameworks for public health emergencies. Conclusion The PABS annex can—and should—be different. It should establish clear responsibilities for funding as well as for sharing the diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines that result from contributions to the system. The system, in turn, must include a dedicated body empowered to hold governments and the corporations they sponsor accountable for their responsibilities before, during, and after pandemics. Doing so would restore trust in the broader agreement, which was eroded as commitments were repeatedly diluted while parties scrambled to meet their own self-imposed deadlines during the Pandemic Agreement negotiations. A robust PABS Annex would cement a grand social bargain. Wealthier countries and their corporations would gain unimpeded access to scientific information essential for developing and manufacturing lifesaving medical products. As such, they would stand to gain considerable economic benefit. Yet that privilege must be matched with responsibility. The grand bargain must include not only the right to innovate, but also the duty to ensure that innovation serves all. As medical products are developed and produced through collective contributions, every person must have equal access. All human beings deserve an equitable chance to survive—to save their own life, the lives of their families, and the well-being of their communities. … Sam Halabi, JD, MPhil, is the Bette Jacobs Endowed Professor at Georgetown University’s School of Health and the Director of the Center for Transformational Health Law at Georgetown Law. He serves as the co-lead for the WHO’s Working Group on Regulatory Consideration on AI and Health’s training workstream. He earned his JD from Harvard, his MPhil from Oxford, and undergraduate degrees from Kansas State University. Lawrence Gostin, LLD (Hon.), JD, BA, is University Distinguished Professor and Founding Director and Timothy and Linda O’Neill Professor of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. He is the author of Global Health Security: A Blueprint for the Future (Harvard University Press, 2021); Global Health Law (Harvard University Press, 2014); Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2016); Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader (University of California Press, 3rd ed., 2018); Law and the Health System (Foundation Press, 2014); Principles of Mental Health Law & Practice (Oxford University Press, 2010). He also directs the WHO Collaborating Center at Georgetown University. Image Credit: United States Mission Geneva, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons