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PROFILE: Ben Sio
New President of CenterState CEO Brings Nearly Two Decades of Experience to Drive CNY Growth By Stefan Yablonski Ben Sio serves as president of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity — or CenterState CEO. The independent Syracuse-based nonprofit is committed to creating inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth in Central New York. “I started in this position in March, so it has been six months. I’m in my 19th year with CenterState,” he said in August. As president, he is responsible for overseeing the organization’s administration and governance, while leading and executing its vision to be an effective advocate, exceptional employer and a force for positive outcomes for the community. He previously served as chief of staff and senior vice president of strategy, policy and planning, overseeing the organization’s long-term strategic planning, consulting, corporate governance, fundraising and development, land-use planning and government relations. In his years with the organization, Sio has led or supported many high-profile strategic initiatives including the creation of the CNY Rising Plan, the launch of the NUAIR Alliance and the region’s UAS strategy, the creation of the Micron-enabled Community Priorities Document and the recently awarded NY Smart I Corridor Tech Hub. “When we decided to split Rob’s [Simpson] role into two positions, he has the CEO title and I got the president title. Rob remains focused on forward looking vision strategy for the organization and I’m more focused on the day-to-day operations,” he explained. “I’m also responsible for building consensus around strategic needs and priorities and managing the change necessary to drive execution. It’s an eventful job. “The experiment that we call CenterState is always evolving and shifting and addressing where we see market demand and market failure. “If we see something in our economy that isn’t going the way we think it should go, then whether it is housing development or workforce development or something else, we are always figuring out how to step into these situations and address those challenges.” “We are the largest ever in terms of staff that we have ever been. We are no longer the 20-person organization we were when we started out many, many years ago,” he said. “There are more day-to-day things to take care of. But also there is just so much happening in the community right now that is pulling CenterState and our expertise in so many directions. I tell people if we were bored and not busy, then I’d be really concerned about what we are doing. But we are not bored. We’ve certainly got our hands full — and that is a good thing.” CenterState has now approximately 63 employees on its staff, according to recent nonprofit database records. It’s involved in myriad programs, ranging from Genius NY, a business accelerator competition for uncrewed systems, IoT and robotics startups, to CenterState Up Start, a collaborative business development program that connects local, service-based businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to the tools and networks that help them thrive. CNY Guy Through and Through A Central New York guy through and through, Sio was born and raised in Skaneateles. “My mom was a teacher, an art teacher. My father worked for many, many years with National Grid. He was there through the transition from Niagara Mohawk to National Grid,” he said. “Neither of my parents were touched by cutbacks and job loss. But I grew up going through that transition and being concerned that there were rounds of layoffs. My childhood connection to the economy here in Central New York … years ago it was on the decline. There were people that lived here that were concerned about losing their job. They were thinking they lived in a place that didn’t show much promise.” That narrative translated to his generation, he added. “The kids that grew up in the ‘90s in Central New York were very much told, directly or indirectly, by their parents, that they had to go somewhere else to find economic opportunity. That is what I grew up thinking,” he said. “I only went a few miles down Route 20 for college — in Geneva, New York; I graduated from Hobart and William Smith College with a bachelor’s degree in public policy and political science. “I got real interested in regional economies; because what makes regional economy is what makes the economy successful. And when I graduated, I had an opportunity to move to Washington, DC and work down there at a nonprofit doing this work.” However, he decided to stay in Central New York. “I got hired two weeks after I graduated. I got hired by the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. At the time it was one of two entities doing economic development in Central New York — [the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Association] — and it eventually became CenterState CEO,” he said, referring to 2010 merger between the two organizations. During his time at CenterState, Sio has also split time at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., where he supported communities developing export and foreign direct investment (FDI), a long-term cross-border investment where an individual or company from one country buys a lasting stake or control in a business located in another country. The program — known as Global Cities Initiative — was designed to help leaders in major U.S. and international metropolitan areas reorient their local economies toward global markets. “Early on in my tenure at CenterState, we had done a lot of work with the Brookings Institution, just regional planning stuff. We worked with them on developing a regional export plan, to export more products out of Central New York and a larger business plan for the region. They hired me on to help replicate those plans in different parts of the country,”Sio explained. “So, I worked there for three or four years. I worked for CenterState, but I was technically loaned to Brookings for a period of time to help them do this work elsewhere.” Family ties “My wife is Carly. We have been married 14 years. We have two kids, a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old. “With a 3-year-old and a 7-year-old, fun is a relative term these days. We do a lot of hiking. The kids this summer got very interested in waterfalls. We’ve hit every waterfall we could in a short hike — we’ve done Skaneateles and some others.” “I do woodworking and wood turning — it’s a branch of woodworking; you use a wood lathe. My big thing there is making wood bowls. I do that in most of my free time, which is not much,” he quipped. “I like to get into my woodshop and make a bowl and decompress and turn off the rest of the world for a little bit. I usually do it late at night when the house is quiet. It is definitely my escape from the day to day. I make a lot of bowls; all different sizes, all different species of wood. It’s a fun thing to do for me.” He gives away many of his creations. “They are mostly gifts — I don’t really sell them. I really don’t have time to go set up a booth at a fair or craft show. I usually give them away. I donate them to different things. If you are in my periphery, you’ve likely received a salad bowl from me as a gift. I just need to find something to do with all the stuff that I create,” he said. Lifelines Name: Benjamin Sio Position: President, CenterState CEO Birth Date: Not provided Birth place: Syracuse Residence: Westvale Education: Hobart and William Smith Colleges in the Finger Lakes Affiliations: Member of the boards of Skaneateles Festival, Greccio Foundation, Interfaith Works, CNY Community Foundation Personal/family: Married with two kids Hobbies: Woodworking and woodturning
Seminole Science Students Build Complex Robots Ahead of Local Tournaments
Seminole County's best source of news since 1908. This local newspaper covers Sanford, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Oviedo, Casselberry, Geneva and parts of Volusia County such as Deltona, DeBary and Osteen.
Gibelyou joins Musical Moments series on Oct. 16
GENEVA — The Musical Moments recital series at the Geneva Public Library will feature classical guitarist Dr. Erik Gibelyou Oct. 16.
Islamic Development Bank and Global Fund Strengthen Partnership to Advance Sustainable Health Financing
GENEVA/JEDDAH – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund) signed on 6 October a new Partnership Agreement to strengthen collaboration and accelerate investments in health across low- and middle-income countries. The agreement, which marks a new chapter in a long-standing relationship, establishes a framework for aligning investments and coordinating financing, mobilizing additional resources, and supporting country-led efforts to build…
Reclaiming 'Health Sovereignty': EU Gastein Forum Confronts A Fragmenting Global Order
Health, long treated as a sanctuary of diplomatic consensus, has entered an era of high politics and ideological division. Leading the closing panel of the EU Health Forum Gastein (EHFG) on Friday (2 October), session chair Ilona Kickbusch, founder of the Global Health Centre at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, highlighted how recent votes at the UN General Assembly demonstrate that nation-states increasingly split and vote instead of searching for consensus.
AROUND THE LAKES: Geneva Theatre Guild announces 49th season
GENEVA — The Geneva Theatre Guild has announced its 49th season, a dynamic year of theater that celebrates local talent, classic storytelling, and the Guild’s long tradition of community‐driven artistry.
WISeSat.Space, a Space Technology Company, Closes Business Combination with Columbus Acquisition Corporation
WISeSat.Space Ordinary Shares to Begin Trading on Nasdaq on October 2 Listing Marks a New Chapter in the Company’s Mission to Bring Cybersecurity to Space and Deliver Trusted Satellite Connectivity WISeSat.Space to Celebrate Milestone with Nasdaq Opening Bell Ceremony on October 9 GENEVA, Switzerland, October 2, 2026 -- WISeSat.Space Holdings Corp. (Nasdaq: SAIQ) (“WISeSat.Space”), a space technology company focused on PQC secure satellite communications and Internet of Things connectivity, anno
Maureen Dowd, Karl Rove to Discuss Politics at Free Geneva Forum
Maureen Dowd and Karl Rove discuss politics at Geneva's free Stern Family Forum. Bill Whitaker moderates Friday at 7 p.m.
Graham Nash at the Smith Sept. 23
GENEVA — After the decades of the breakups, the fights, the reconciliations, and David Crosby’s death, Graham Nash said he is at a point in his life where he is
Say Sawadika to Your New PS5 Controller, Feat Lisa from Blackpink
Got this DualSense from Geneva
Finger Lakes Health Celebrates Latest CNA Program Graduates
Finger Lakes Health celebrates 11 new CNA program graduates. These certified nursing assistants will provide vital care at facilities in Geneva, Penn Yan...
WHO flags growing health workforce gap as workers and patients age
GENEVA, Sept 18 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization warned on Friday of a gap in the medical workforce around the world in the 2030s, with a quarter of doctors set to retire in the next decade. "In many countries both our populations and health...
Business News: Watches And Wonders 2027 To Feature More New Brands Including Berneron And Porsche Design
The top event on the watch calendar is up to 75 brands exhibiting in Geneva in April.
AROUND THE LAKES: Geneva Concerts unveils 2026-27 schedule
GENEVA — Geneva Concerts is celebrating 80 years in the community with its 2026-27 season lineup offering performances by Garth Fagan Dance, the Syracuse Orchestra, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Discover the exclusive world of intricate hand-made watches in Geneva
GENEVA — Cédric Johner is at home in the middle of what looks a lot like organized chaos. His two rooms in a commercial building in Carouge near Lake Geneva
The Politics of Memory: Some Ways to Think about Jefferson’s Declaration for America’s 250th
In conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Historic Geneva’s Fall Program Series explores themes connected to the ideals o...
Jeremy Farrar Joins Global Health Non-Profit PATH Following Unexpected Departure From WHO
Outgoing WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Jeremy Farrar will lead PATH’s regional division for Asia, the Middle East, and Europe starting 1 October. Based in Geneva, he joins the executive leadership team to accelerate the delivery of health technologies across these regions, the organisation announced in a press release on Wednesday, 9 September.
Hormuz disruptions hitting small businesses hardest, UN trade agency warns
GENEVA, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could push small and medium-sized businesses out of global supply chains, increasing economic concentration and weakening the resilience
Hormuz disruptions hitting small businesses hardest, UN trade agency warns
GENEVA, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could push small and medium-sized businesses out of global supply chains, increasing economic concentration and weakening the resilience
Want a solution to plastic pollution? Scientists urge UN to require global reporting
Scientists in the U.S. and China urge the UN to mandate global reporting in its upcoming plastics treaty. They system they propose will inform a workshop in Geneva, Switzerland in mid-September.
Hobart graduate donates $4.5 million to support summer science research
GENEVA — A Hobart graduate has left a majority of his estate to Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ summer science research programs.
WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to surpass the deadliest one in history
GENEVA (AP) — The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Congo is on track to surpass the deadliest one in history that killed over 11,000 people out of more than 28,000 cases, the head of the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
Joint Statement by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio: United States to Serve as Secretariat of the Geneva Consensus Declaration
Joint statement from HHS Secretary Kennedy and Secretary of State Rubio on the Geneva Consensus Declaration.
Public health courses provide opportunities for international collaboration and learning
Related News Samantha Garcia, PhD receives National Institutes of Health MOSAIC Postdoctoral Career Transition Award (K99/R00) July 31, 2024 Exploring global health governance: PM 589 in Geneva August 27, 2024 […]
Business journalism studies took her to the White House | UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
The story by UNC Hussman alumni Brennan Doherty ’19 and video by John Roberts ’16 (M.A.) was originally published on unc.edu. This story is part of a four-part series on Carolina alumni working in Washington, D.C. Soon after her 2015 graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, Megan Cassella was an intern for the Reuters news agency, eagerly awaiting and prepping for a special assignment. “Every now and then they needed an intern to run over to the White House last minute,” Cassella said. “You have to send your information the night before, so I started proactively sending my information to the White House every single night to be able to go the next day if they ever needed an intern.” Since then, she’s made many return trips to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in a career that’s included roles at Reuters, Politico, Barron’s and now CNBC, where she works as an on-air Washington correspondent. A longtime newswriter, Cassella made the move to TV in 2024, appearing on broadcasts multiple times daily to report on the biggest political and business stories. But the keys to doing a good job — knowing how to research, asking insightful questions, building relationships and explaining complex topics to a broad audience — remain the same. Did you know: Outside of the state of North Carolina, the Washington region is home to the largest concentration of Tar Heel alumni in the country. Cassella’s time as a Tar Heel was crucial in sharpening those skills, both in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media and through roles at student-run publications like The Daily Tar Heel. She excelled in Carolina’s business journalism program with former professor Chris Roush, which led to an internship at The Charlotte Observer and helped Cassella find her journalistic niche. A data journalism course with Associate Professor Ryan Thornburg taught her how to find stories in numbers, and former professor Paul O’Connor’s reporting class took Cassella to the North Carolina Capitol weekly, where she gained invaluable experience interviewing politicians. “Those hands-on experiences that Carolina gave me really kept my interest and have really benefited me since I’ve been up here in D.C.,” said Cassella. “I have UNC to thank for the fact that I even went into business journalism in the first place.” Megan Cassella ’15 “You’ve got to thrive on adrenaline in this job. You’ve got to do well with last-minute changes, with running by the seat of your pants.” Megan Cassella ’15 ‘There’s nothing else like it’ In recent months, Cassella has reported live from the G7 Summit in Geneva, covered the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran war and followed changes to trade policy, including tariffs. “Anything in this realm that influences Wall Street, I’ll be covering,” Cassella said. Her working hours are long and variable. After waking up, Cassella immediately checks her phone to see what news broke overnight. By 8:15 a.m., she usually learns which newscasts she’ll be on, and then she heads to the newsroom, White House or wherever her assignment is. “We want you in the 9 a.m. show and the 11, and then the 3 o’clock show wants you, too,” Cassella said, referring to a hypothetical day. If Cassella gets an exclusive or major news breaks, she might be told, “We want that on TV right now.” Within five minutes, she’d be expected to get to the camera, figure out what to say and deliver the news to a live audience. “It’s exciting. It’s nerve-wracking,” Cassella said. “But there’s nothing else like it.” A well-rounded education Cassella grew up in Maryland, the youngest of four kids. Her oldest brother, Brian Cassella ’05, attended Carolina, became a photojournalist and recently won a Pulitzer Prize. She remembers visiting campus as a young child and loving it. “I just always wanted to go,” she said, and that desire grew when she, like her brother, gravitated toward journalism. But it wasn’t just the journalism school that drew Cassella to Carolina. “It was also the whole liberal arts curriculum,” she said. “Even though I always wanted to be a journalist, I got to college, and I sort of felt I had to think about other things. I had to explore my options and see if that’s what I really wanted.” Did you know: In April UNC-Chapel Hill opened its Carolina in the Capital office in Washington. She combined her journalism schooling with a global studies major and a history minor. That broad range of academic experiences in Chapel Hill molded her, preparing Cassella for a career that’s taken her to the highest levels of political journalism and inside the Oval Office. “When you sit back and remember you’re actually sitting inside the White House and asking questions of the president, it’s a cool feeling,” Cassella said. “No matter who is in office, no matter what administration or party, it’s a privilege to be there.” Megan Cassella on… Being a Tar Heel in Washington: I run into Tar Heels all the time. My husband’s a Tar Heel. We actually met here in Washington, not at Carolina, even though we were the same class. Probably most of our friends are still Tar Heels. Even up here in D.C., we all get together for games and March Madness. And through work, there’s Tar Heels all over the place. It’s often used as a connection. Favorite Franklin Street spot: When we go back, our first stop is always IP3. That’s more my husband’s doing than mine. In college, I was a huge Spanky’s fan. Felt like it was a classic spot. May it rest in peace. Advice to journalism students: Reps, reps, reps! Nothing beats the experience you’ll gain by simply starting to do the work — asking the questions, reporting and writing the stories, doing the TV hits. When you can, go places in person. Talk to more people than you think you’ll need. Read as much as you can, from different sources and on different topics. If you’re not sure how to start your story, that usually means you need more reporting. When you’re not sure, ask.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges gets $3 million for science center
GENEVA — Hobart and William Smith has been awarded a $3 million Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program grant from New York State to support the next phase of the
Geneva celebrates opening of Seneca W.A.V.E.
GENEVA — The city and Geneva Community Projects celebrated the official launch of Seneca W.A.V.E. — Waterfront Access, Views and Events — July 19 with a free, family-friendly community celebration
Dove Block seeks submissions for annual Short Film Festival
GENEVA — The Dove Block Project is seeking visionary storytellers to submit work to the third annual Dove Block Project Short Film Festival scheduled for Oct. 11 from noon to
Norfolk Southern’s effort to expand business is both first and final
LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — Norfolk Southern’s Stefan Loeb has a job title that, in the rail industry, is as unique as it is unwieldy: vice president, business development and first and final mile markets. “Everyone goes, what is it?” he says of that first-and-final label. “And you know, I’m still figuring it out. That’s kind of the funny thing. But really
On busy holiday weekend, Lake Geneva businesses try to rebound from storms
One day after deadly storms wreaked havoc on Lake Geneva, the town's businesses are feeling the affects on one of their busiest weekends of the year.
Venezuela Health System Strained After Earthquakes, WHO Says
By Emma Farge GENEVA, June 30 (Reuters) - Venezuela's healthcare system is under significant strain, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday, with some hospitals damaged and others missing staff after deadly twin earthquakes last week. More than 1,700 people have been killed and 5,000 ...
Join the world’s coolest science lesson in Geneva
Head to Switzerland for a tour of CERN, the world’s largest particle physics research laboratory, to discover the secrets of the universe.
IOM Conducts Over 1 Million Health Screenings, Scales Up Ebola Response
Geneva/Nairobi 19 June 2026 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has conducted more than one million health screenings at borders and along key cross-border routes and travel corridors across Ebola-affected and at-risk countries as it scales up its efforts to support the control of an outbreak that has spread across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
Politics: Can Divides Over War Be Bridged At The G7 Summit?
This week, on the southern shores of Lake Geneva, leaders of the Group of Seven countries gathered for their annual summit.There are several pressing issues that require attention including the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran, the resulting economic crisis, the state of the Persian Gulf, and long term questions about the future of relations with Iran.The G7 meeting also notably brought Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy face-to-face with President Donald Trump. Trump told reporters that the war Ukraine was not a priority for the United States, saying that his country had “nothing to do” with a war that was “thousands of miles away.”We discuss what this 2026 G7 meeting reveals about the state of the U.S. relationship with its most important allies, especially after months of a war of choice with Iran.Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
G7 leaders — and the rest of the world — wait for clarity on US-Iran agreement
Heading into an al fresco dinner Monday evening overlooking the azure Lake Geneva shoreline, the leaders of the world’s most powerful nations were hoping to gain clarity on what, exactly, President Donald Trump’s new arrangement with Iran entailed.
Lake Geneva business leaders establish city's first-ever Pride celebration despite some online opposition
Lake Geneva is the latest community with its own LGBTQ+ Pride celebration. The weekend event has family-friendly activities like chalk drawing, a vendor fair, and a community worship celebration.
The Politics of Affect in Literary Translation
The Politics of Affect in Literary Translation Edited by Sofía Monzón (Utah State University) and Lucie Spezzatti (University of Geneva) Scholarship on affect, emotion, embodiment, and feeling has significantly reshaped debates across the humanities and...
The World Health Assembly adopts updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2026–2036)
Geneva, 23 May 2026 – Member States at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA79) adopted the updated Global action plan on antimicrobial resistance (GAP-AMR) 2026–2036, marking a major milestone in the global response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and delivering on a key commitment contained in the 2024 United Nations General Assembly Political Declaration on AMR. The updated plan was developed through a consultative process led by the Quadripartite organizations – FAO, UNEP, WHO and WOAH – with extensive engagement of Member States and stakeholders across sectors. AMR remains one of the most significant global health and development challenges, affecting humans, animals, plants, food systems and the environment. The updated GAP-AMR provides a comprehensive One Health framework to guide coordinated global, regional and national action over the next decade. It builds on the foundation established by the original GAP-AMR adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2015 while reflecting evolving evidence, lessons learned, and the commitments made at the 2024 UN High-Level Meeting on AMR. During the Assembly, Member States expressed broad support for the updated plan and its strengthened multisectoral and One Health approach. Delegates highlighted the importance of prevention-first interventions, including infection prevention and control, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), vaccination, biosecurity, and environmental measures. They also highlighted the need for responsible, equitable and sustainable use of antimicrobials, strengthened surveillance, innovation, and sustainable agrifood systems. The updated GAP-AMR is intended to serve as the global framework for coordinated action against AMR through 2036. It aims to accelerate global progress towards the commitments and targets agreed by Member States and support countries in developing, implementing and financing ambitious multisectoral national action plans. The plan also reinforces the importance of accountability, monitoring and reporting, sustainable financing, and international cooperation to address AMR through a One Health approach. The adoption of the updated GAP-AMR reflects renewed global commitment to preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobials and safeguarding advances in human, animal and plant health, food security, economic development and environmental sustainability. As implementation begins, continued collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector will be critical to translating commitments into measurable impact. The Quadripartite organizations will continue supporting Member States and partners in operationalizing the updated GAP-AMR and advancing coordinated One Health action against AMR at country, regional and global levels.
WHO chief calls for urgent Ebola action and pandemic preparedness
The recent Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks demonstrate that the world is still vulnerable to rapidly spreading infectious diseases, Tedros Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), warned on Saturday at the close of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Federation Cup (Athletics) continues, Bhambri-Venus in Geneva Open final: Indian Sports LIVE, May 23
Here are all the updates from Indian sports on May 23, 2026.
World Health Organization raises Ebola risk in Congo to ‘very high’
GENEVA >>The head of the World Health Organization warned today that Ebola infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo are escalating rapidly and now pose a “very high” risk to the Central African country.
EXCLUSIVE: World Health Assembly Votes To Suspend USA's Voting Rights, Restore Iran's
GENEVA – The World Health Assembly Committee B resolved to penalise the United States for outstanding dues, while restoring Iranian voting rights on Thursday. Officials announced the sudden payment of Tehran's outstanding debts just as the summit commenced, averting an immediate penalty.
The minister of health of the Dominican Republic assumed the presidency of the 79th World Health Assembly
Geneva, May 18, 2026 (PAHO) – Dr. Víctor Atallah, Minister of Health of the Dominican Republic, assumed the presidency of the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) this Monday, as the World Health Organization’s (WHO) highest decision-making body opened in Geneva.According to WHO rules of procedure, the presidency rotates among the Organization’s six regions. This year, the Region of the Americas is responsible for leading the Assembly. It is the first time that the Dominican Republic has assumed the presidency of the World Health Assembly.
Bahamian public health leader Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis receives WHO Global Health Leaders Award at 79th World Health Assembly
Geneva, Switzerland, 18 May 2026 (PAHO) — Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis of The Bahamas was recognized today with the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General’s Global Health Leaders Award during the High-Level Welcome of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA79), honoring her lifelong contribution to public health in the Americas and globally.
World Health Assembly opens with focus on equity, resilience, and global health cooperation; Region of the Americas plays active role
Geneva, Switzerland, 18 May 2026 (PAHO) — The Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA79) opened today at the Palais des Nations, bringing together delegations from more than 190 countries to define global health priorities and advance discussions on some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.
Director-General presents Award for Global Health to four distinguished leaders
At the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has presented four distinguished leaders with the Award for Global Health, recognizing their lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide.
Celebrating 15 years of investments in pandemic influenza preparedness at this year’s World Health Assembly
The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework marks 15 years in action at this year’s World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, to be held on 18–23 May. The innovative global approach to preparing for and responding to influenza pandemics was adopted in 2011, prompting WHO and its Member States to look back at what has been achieved and look ahead to the role it can continue to play in the future.
Global Health in Transition at WHA79
Global health thinkers, doers, and decision-makers will converge in Geneva for the 79th annual World Health Assembly from May 18 to 23.
Food Truck Events Kick Off Finger Lakes Health Campaign
Support local healthcare! 🏥 The Finger Lakes Health employee giving campaign kicks off April 30 with delicious food truck events in Geneva and Penn Yan. Come...
Geneva College of Longevity Science Launches the World’s First PhD in Longevity Sciences
GENEVA and CONSTANȚA, Romania, April 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Geneva College of Longevity Science (GCLS) today
After three years of conflict, Sudan faces a deeper health crisis
14 April 2026, Geneva, Cairo, Port Sudan – Three years of war in Sudan have created the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crisis, with devastating consequences for people’s health.While the situation is...
European business aviation association cancels annual convention
European business aviation convention EBACE scheduled for June in Geneva, Switzerland has been cancelled by the organizer
St. Bede teacher selected for international science program
St. Bede Academy science teacher Dan Fitzpatrick has been selected to attend a prestigious international science program this August at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.
World Health Day 2026: PAHO/WHO calls for renewed commitment to science to drive better health for all
6 April 2026, Geneva / Washington, DC-- The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) call on people everywhere to renew their commitment to science as the foundation for better health, under the World Health Day 2026 theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.” The campaign marks the anniversary of WHO’s founding on 7 April, launching a year-long public health campaign.
Two-Speed Multilateralism: Breaking The Deadlock On Climate And Health
As consensus fails across trade and health sectors, a vital two-speed multilateralism debate in Geneva offers hope for saving the global climate and health agenda.
CERN lays first stone of Science Gateway
CERN today held a first stone ceremony as the next step in the creation of the Science Gateway which was first unveiled in 2019 in Geneva
Obstacles to ending war come into focus as US and Iran outline starkly different demands
Almost exactly one month ago, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met indirectly with the Iranians in Geneva as the Trump administration continued to claim diplomacy was its preferred option. Two days later, the US and Israel launched their war against Iran.
Global Chemicals Science Panel Fails to Launch After Chaotic First Meeting - Center for International Environmental Law
Global chemicals science panel stalls after chaotic first meeting in Geneva, exposing political obstruction and delays in tackling toxic pollution.
Did you remember to pack the antimatter? CERN takes antiprotons for a short drive
Scientists in Geneva took some antiprotons out for a spin — a very delicate one — in a truck, in a never-tried-before test drive that has been deemed a success.
On the Road With Antiprotons: CERN Runs Delicate Test on Transporting Ultrasensitive Antimatter
GENEVA (AP) — Scientists in Geneva are taking some antiprotons out for a spin — a very delicate one — in a truck, in a never-tried-before test drive. If this so-called antimatter comes into contact with actual matter — even for a fraction of an instant — it will be annihilated in a quick flash of ...
Cleanup underway after pick-up truck crashed into science surplus store in Geneva
Trump Considers Targeted Strike Against Iran, Followed by Larger Attack
The top negotiators plan to meet in Geneva on Thursday for last-ditch talks, debating a new proposal that could create an off-ramp as two carrier groups massed within striking distance of Iran.
Trump Considers Targeted Strike Against Iran, Followed by Larger Attack
The top negotiators plan to meet in Geneva on Thursday for last-ditch talks, debating a new proposal that could create an off-ramp as two carrier groups massed within striking distance of Iran.
Russia says Ukraine peace talks in Geneva were difficult, but business-like
Russia's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said on Wednesday that U.S.-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva had been difficult but business-like, and that a new round of talks would be held soon.
A major question in Iran talks: How long will Trump keep the diplomatic window open?
Iranian and American negotiators departed their indirect talks in Geneva with an agreement to keep talking, doing little to ease fears of an impending regional war.
Live updates: Nuclear talks between US and Iran set to begin in Geneva
The US is planning to meet with Iranian officials today in Geneva, sources tell CNN. Follow here for the latest.
US increases military pressure on Iran ahead of high-stakes talks
The US military is continuing a significant buildup of air and naval assets in the Middle East ahead of planned talks with Iran in Geneva on Tuesday. The pieces are being moved into place both to intimidate Tehran and to have options to strike inside the country should negotiations over its nuclear program fail, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN.
Celebrating Women in Science Day 2026 at CERN
Every year, on 11 February, CERN celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In an effort to amplify diverse voices in STEM, six women scientists from CERN open up about their careers and the lessons they hope to pass on to the next generation. Francesca is an Italian biomedical engineer pursuing her PhD at CERN, working in the robotics team of the Beams Department. She’s currently working on the MARCHESE project, in affiliation with Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, focusing on contactless monitoring of physiological parameters. Despite choosing a scientific career and often volunteering in scientific outreach initiatives, Francesca continues to nurture her passion for the humanities and arts. “I firmly believe that collaboration and inclusion are the right paths to improve the world together. I’m driven by a strong curiosity about everything around me.” Berare is a Turkish experimental physicist who worked with the ATLAS experiment during her MSc and PhD on searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. During her PhD, she became a Support Scientist for the Beamline for Schools (BL4S) competition, which marked the beginning of her journey combining research with science communication. She now works for both BL4S and ELISA, the mini proton accelerator at CERN’s Science Gateway. She fondly remembers the moment when the BL4S 2022 winners arrived at the experimental zone: “I felt incredibly lucky to share my passion with young, curious and really passionate people. We spent two weeks of beam time together watching their ideas turn into reality. All the intricate details of running an experiment, we accomplished them as a team.” Mia is a Canadian research fellow in the Accelerator Systems Department, working on beam developments for fundamental physics with radioactive molecules. Mia pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering before moving to Vancouver for a master’s degree in engineering physics. Her interest in radioactive ion beam production brought her to CERN, where she studied actinide beams for three years as a PhD student in the Marie Curie European Training network “LISA” (Laser Ionisation and Spectroscopy of Actinides) at ISOLDE – a facility at CERN where scientists study the properties of atomic nuclei, with further applications in fundamental studies, astrophysics, and material and life sciences. Laura is a German mechanical engineer at CERN working on research and development to produce cavities for future accelerators. She studied mechanical and aerospace engineering at the Technical University of Munich. She joined CERN four years ago as a technical student for her master’s thesis and continued as a fellow working on collimators. Laura says that “as a child, I took part in girls’ day initiatives, which sparked my fascination for astrophysics and engineering. Later, it felt natural for me to give something back by organising workshops for young students to make STEM seem less intimidating and more accessible.” She particularly enjoys being close to the CERN Main Workshop and understanding how design ideas become real components. Paraskevi is a Greek physicist working at CERN’s HiRadMat (High-Radiation to Materials) facility, designed to deliver high-intensity beams to an irradiation area where material samples, as well as accelerator component assemblies, can be tested. She studied physics at NKUA, specialising in nuclear and particle physics, and is now pursuing her PhD at HiRadMat in collaboration with the University of Liverpool, studying novel materials for high-intensity beam diagnostics. “Continuous learning is one of my biggest motivators, and I am looking forward to exploring the limits of our knowledge on beam-material interactions,” says Paraskevi. Silvia is a Spanish physicist and deputy project manager for the Muon Drift Tube of the CMS detector, a general-purpose detector at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). She started her career at CERN more than 20 years ago as a technical student, working on prototypes of the first dipoles for the LHC. “My first motivation came in high school, from my teacher,” says Silvia about what made her pursue a career in STEM. “My favourite part about my job is learning. You can learn something new every day.” In parallel to this initiative, like every year since 2017, from 2 to 6 February 66 women scientists and engineers visited schools in Geneva, Switzerland, and in the Haute-Savoie and Ain regions of France to meet with students. Organised in collaboration with CERN, the University of Geneva, EPFL, LAPP and LAPTh, this event allowed more than 4200 students between 6 and 17 years old to meet a woman scientist, discuss their profession and career path, ask questions and participate in classroom activities.
When immune cells stop fighting cancer and start helping it
Scientists have uncovered a surprising way tumors turn the immune system to their advantage. Researchers at the University of Geneva found that neutrophils—normally frontline defenders against infection—can be reprogrammed inside tumors to fuel cancer growth instead. Once exposed to the tumor environment, these immune cells begin producing a molecule called CCL3 that actively promotes tumor progression.
EU reaffirms commitment to science-based multilateralism
Countries are meeting in Geneva for the first Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution plenary.
Geneva campus moves ahead with major science center buildout
A major new science complex is taking shape in Geneva as Hobart and William Smith Colleges finalize plans for the Fish Center for the Sciences, a four-story facility designed to bring multiple STEM disciplines under one roof. With design work nearly complete, the $25 million project marks one of the largest academic investments in the… MoreGeneva campus moves ahead with major science center buildout
US officially exits World Health Organization
President Donald Trump put into motion the withdrawal process to have the US removed from the Geneva-based organization after he signed an executive order on the first day of his second term.
U.S. makes exit from the WHO complete
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO became official Thursday, formalizing a fissure between the Trump administration and the Geneva-based global health agency.
❝After a year of disruption, global health needs leaders with backbone
Funding shocks, political U-turns and weakened institutions have laid bare the flaws in a global health architecture long overdue for reform – and the need for courageous leadership to stop it from unravelling, writes Priti Patnaik, global health journalist and founder of the Geneva Health Files.
❝After a year of disruption, global health needs leaders with backbone
Funding shocks, political U-turns and weakened institutions have laid bare the flaws in a global health architecture long overdue for reform – and the need for courageous leadership to stop it from unravelling, writes Priti Patnaik, global health journalist and founder of the Geneva Health Files.
“The faces of CERN” at the Globe of Science and Innovation
Originally created for the Cité des métiers, the exhibition “The Faces of CERN: People Advancing Science” will be displayed in CERN's Globe of Science and Innovation from December 17, 2025 to March 1, 2026. From 25 to 30 November, CERN was the guest of honour at the Cité des métiers, held at Geneva’s Palexpo. During the fair more than 112,000 visitors had the opportunity to discover the CERN stand and exhibition, talk to those who advance science on a daily basis and explore the world of CERN through a range of immersive activities. Designed by interior design students from IPAC Design Geneva, the exhibition was inspired by the birth of the World Wide Web at CERN. Woven together from reusable ribbons and modular structures, symbolises a living network where ideas, knowledge, and collaboration come together. Come and immerse yourself in this network, where each thread tells a story of curious collaboration and showcases your talents. Free admission | Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
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
I lived in Europe for almost a decade. Here are the 6 cities you should visit during the holiday season.
When I lived in Europe, I visited a variety of Christmas markets. I enjoyed the scenery, food, and trinkets at markets in Vienna, Geneva, and Bruges.