SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " EQUITY " 718 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Nonequity Partners: It’s Not Personal, It’s Just Business
Nonequity partnership isn't beloved by those forced into it.
Global health leaders convene to advance innovation, equity, and collective action
The Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) has announced the full agenda and speaker lineup for its fourth annual Global Health Symposium, scheduled for April 16 at Harvard University and livestreamed via…
Vatican hosts workshop on how to make healthcare for all a reality
The two-day workshop on “Healthcare for all: Sustainability and equity," organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life, is presented at the Holy See ...
Ujima Graduation Celebrates Black and Indigenous Business Training
Event commemorates months-long regime for established companies and startups to gain skill to support inclusive business practices and employment opportunities
Private equity activity ‘steady’ in 2025, with a dozen-plus deals in diagnostic imaging
The Private Equity Stakeholder Project estimates there were 1,029 such transactions across the entire healthcare sector last year.
ZIM to be Acquired by Hapag-Lloyd for $35.00 per Share in Cash at Aggregate Cash Consideration of Approximately $4.2 Billion; New Israeli Company, "New ZIM", to Acquire Portion of ZIM's Business
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE: ZIM) ("ZIM" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a merger agreement, under which Hapag-Lloyd will acquire ZIM for $35.00 per share in cash. The total transaction represents an equity value of approximately $4.2 billion, and the price per share of $35.00 represents a 58% premium to ZIM's stock price on February 13, 2026, a 90% premium to ZIM's 90-day WVAP and a 126% premium to ZIM's unaffected stock price of $15.50 on August 8, 20
BrewDog sale plan leaves some ‘equity punk’ investors steaming
About 220,000 people could be left empty-handed if a deal prioritises the company’s private equity backer
New C-U Public Health director says he’ll focus on access to affordable health care in Champaign-Urbana
The new head of public health in Champaign County says he’s adamant about health equity and equal access to affordable health care. Dr. Mamadou Tounkara is stepping into the role following former administrator Julie Pryde’s retirement in January after 30 years of service.
Governor Hochul Announces More Than $6 Million Investment to Improve Health Equity Through Choose Healthy Life
Governor Hochul announced $6.5 million in increased funding to support Choose Healthy Life, a program dedicated to expanding access and strengthening health services in underserved communities through the Black church.
Exclusive | Garden City Equity Raises $255 Million From Business Figures, Musicians and Athletes
Backers of the company include former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and ex-NFL quarterback Drew Brees.
2025 US ACT on Health Equity Community Investments Recipients
Author: Kennesha VanBurch, Director, Health Equity and Community Investment Partnerships 2025 marks the fifth year of the US Accelerate Change Together (ACT) on Health Equity: Community Solutions Challenge (CSC) and National Strategic Collaborations (NSC). This year, we received more than 250 applications from organizations across the country dedicated to prioritizing the social, cultural and linguistic needs of communities that have experienced barriers to care and opportunity. The overwhelming response underscores the vital role these organizations play in advancing health equity at the local level and across the nation. Since the launch of ACT on Health Equity in 2021, the initiative has invested more than $18 million in nonprofit organizations and their health equity programming through CSC and NSC. This year, $3.4 million in funding has been provided to 47 nonprofit organizations that focus on healthcare access, nutrition and lung health. Together, we are making meaningful progress toward health equity across the US. Supporting Organizations Advancing Community Well-being and Health Equity The awarded organizations address critical needs across health, education, and social support through initiatives aligned with AstraZeneca’s areas of expertise, including lung disease, lung and breast cancer, and cardiology. Their work spans across culturally competent senior care, equitable healthcare access, cancer and chronic disease support, and preventive health education, as well as hunger relief, community gardening, dental and transportation services, and resources for underserved families. Together, they are working to remove barriers to care, reduce preventable conditions, and empower individuals and communities of all ages and backgrounds to achieve better health outcomes. Photo courtesy of Medical Motor Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc. Description: MMS driver speaking to a Wegmans shopper. GGWNY staff; Lincoln Memorial Church Community Garden and lead gardener Diane Learn more about our recipients and the impact they make within their communities below. Community Solutions Challenge Advocates for Women’s Health, Inc. Advocates for Women's Health exists to provide access to high quality prenatal care and gynecology care to lower-income communities in and around Fresno, CA. They operate a nonprofit OB/GYN clinic located in Fresno. American Rescue Workers (ARW) ARW is a faith-based, non-profit organization providing homelessness and hunger prevention services in Central PA since 1934. ARW cares holistically for men, women, and children who find themselves facing food insecurity, and emergency situations that may lead to homelessness, or an actual homeless crisis, by providing shelter and social services. ARW serves people no matter their faith, regardless of faith. Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) AJSOCAL is a social justice organization that protects and strengthens the rights and dignity of AAPI communities, especially those that are most disadvantaged. Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy (BCEA) BCEA’s mission is to effectively assist individuals battling cancer by connecting them to vital support and resources. BCEA ensures that all relevant information reaches those in need, guiding them towards the resources necessary to fight their battle against cancer. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa creates access to opportunities for self-sufficiency by providing innovative and compassionate services to people of all backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. Chosen Hearts Chosen Hearts’ mission is to rebuild lives and restore hope by fostering a sense of community and creating lasting, positive change. Columbia Student Medical Outreach The Columbia Student Medical Outreach Program (CoSMO) Clinic is the oldest and largest student-run free clinic at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. At its core, CoSMO is guided by the belief that all people—regardless of immigration or insurance status—deserve access to high-quality, equitable medical care. Eagle’s Nest Community Kitchen and Resource Center and Mobile Pantry Eagle’s Nest Community Kitchen, Resource Center and Mobile Pantry’s mission is to empower underserved and rural communities through hands-on STEM education grounded in sustainable agriculture. By combining mobile workshops, community gardens, and mentorship, they deliver accessible training in science, technology, engineering, and math that builds practical skills, advances food security, and fosters environmental stewardship. Through collaborative partnerships and by honoring local knowledge, they cultivate resilient communities and inspire the next generation of agricultural innovators. eClose Institute eClose Institute’s mission is to make medically relevant scientific discoveries using an education platform that embraces equality and empowers participants to contribute ideas, life experience and experimental data to improve disease treatment. Equal Hope Equal Hope is an organization dedicated to saving lives and improving quality of life by eliminating health inequities. This organization challenges the status quo in striving to understand the context of people’s lives and the barriers they experience to help them achieve better health outcomes for their lives. Through research, quality assessment and improvements, advocacy, education, and patient navigation, they approach health holistically to achieve sustainable outcomes and true health equity. Food For Free Committee Food For Free improves access to healthy food through establishing innovative programming and partnerships to overcome barriers and strengthen the community food system. They believe that access to healthy food is a fundamental right. Grassroots Gardens of Western New York (GGRWNY) The missions of GGRWNY is to share knowledge, powers, and resources to grow health food, heal systemic harm, and strengthen neighborhood connections through community gardens. Greater Providence YMCA (GPYMCA) GPYMCA builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, through inclusive programs and relationships grounded in core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Programs are intentionally designed to close equity gaps in health, education, and wellness. GPYMCA serves individuals and families across all life stages and income levels, including medically vulnerable and underserved populations. Hearts of Valor INC Hearts of Valor’s missions it to keep the heart pumping through advocacy, collaboration, education, and support. Ibn Sina Foundation Ibn Sina Foundation ensures the health of the community by providing integrated, preventive, and primary care in a clinical setting through the dissemination and application of health-related knowledge, thereby enhancing the quality of life for future generations. India Home India Home is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of and empowering the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean senior immigrant community in New York City through culturally competent services. At India Home’s centers, seniors find community and resources through a diverse range of programs and activities. Programs include congregate meals, creative aging programs, case management programs, and educational talks on health, nutrition, financial safeguards and elder law. La Colaborativa La Colaborativa empowers the Latinx community, enhancing social and economic health, and holding institutional decision-makers accountable. Lancaster County Food Hub At the heart of the Lancaster County Food Hub’s (LCFH) work is a strong commitment to meeting basic human needs, fostering respectful relationships, and connecting neighbors with supportive services in a nurturing and welcoming environment. Guided by their vision of a Lancaster County where every individual is supported and empowered to live with dignity and stability, they strive to not only provide immediate relief but also to create pathways to lasting self-sufficiency. Maryland Foundation of Dentistry (MFD) MFD is dedicated to improving oral health outcomes and preserving dental function for one of the state’s most vulnerable populations: adults with intellectual, physical, and/or developmental disabilities who are unable to afford the cost of dental care. Maternity Care Coalition (MCC) The missions of MCC is to improve the health and well-being of pregnant women and parenting families and enhance school readiness for children 0-3. MCC achieves this through direct service, advocacy, and research, in collaboration with individuals, families, providers, and communities. Medical Motor Service of Rochester and Monroe County, Inc. Medical Motor Service of Rochester and Monroe County’s mission is to provide specialized transportation for community organizations, as well as individuals with disabilities and special needs to improve their independence and quality of life. Milwaukee Consortium for Hmong Health (MCHH) MCHH’s mission is to create a thriving and healthy Southeast Asian and Hispanic community by empowering families through education and screenings. MCHH utilizes established community health workers and focuses on addressing health disparities related to cancer and chronic disease among the Hmong, Bumese, Karen, Karenni, Lao, and Hispanic populations living in Milwaukee, WI and other areas if needed. Mission Hospice and Home Care Mission Hospice and Home Care is delivering compassionate support and exceptional care in the home for individuals and communities, guiding them with choice and dignity to navigate significant care decisions. North Alabama AHEC (NAAHEC) The mission of the NAAHEC is to improve healthcare access, quality, and equity in rural and underserved communities across North Alabama. They strengthen the health workforce - particularly through the development of community health workers by providing comprehensive training, resources, and advocacy. By fostering strong community partnerships and promoting healthcare literacy, NAAHEC aims to address disparities, improve outcomes, and cultivate a healthier future for North Alabama. Our Neighbors’ Table Hunger comes in many forms. Our Neighbors’ Table is committed to establishing a community that provides for the whole person with nourishing food, kindness and dignity. Panhandle Breast Health Panhandle Breast Health works to decrease breast cancer deaths by providing education and reducing financial barriers to increase screening rates. Pitney Meadows Community Farm Founded in 2026, Pitney Meadows Community Farm’s mission is to celebrate and explore agricultural education, healthy food production, and recreation. Located on 166 acres in the heart of the city of Saratoga Springs and preserved in perpetuity as a working farm, Pitney Meadows is a unique resource. Prince William County Community Foundation (PWCCF) PWCCF’s mission is to create a stronger, healthier, and more connected community by addressing critical needs in food insecurity, health & wellness, scholarship, and philanthropy. PWCCF is committed to empowering individuals and families through equitable access to nutritious food, comprehensive healthcare, educational opportunities, and community-driven support. By fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable solutions, PWCCF aims to enhance the quality of life for all, ensuring a brighter future for every member of their community. Raytown Christian Church (Raytown Summer Lunch Ministry) Raytown Summer Lunch Ministry’s mission is to provide nutritious and kid-friendly meals to children during the summer months when they are not in school and receiving school meals. Regents of the University of California, Davis UC Davis Health is improving lives and transforming health care by providing excellent patient care, conducting groundbreaking research, fostering innovative, interprofessional education, and creating dynamic, productive partnerships with the community. RSVP Volunteers RSVP Volunteers creates and runs unique community programs powered by skilled volunteers to advance education and wellness for all ages and strengthen nonprofits through capacity-building and volunteer services. Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, in collaboration with partners, provides dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health. The Icla da Silva Foundation The mission of the Icla da Silva Foundation is to save the lives of patients whose only cure is a bone marrow transplant by providing financial, emotional, and logistical support to remove barriers to treatment. There With Care of the Bay Area Founded in 2012, the mission of There With Care of the Bay Area is to provide a wide range of meaningful and fundamental services to children and families during the critical phase of a medical crisis. Universal Community Health Center Universal Community Health Center’s mission is to provide quality and accessible healthcare to under-served communities and to provide a patient centered model of care to empower communities towards wellness. West Cancer Foundation West Cancer Foundation breaks through barriers to cancer care and improves patient outcomes by providing accessible patient resources, early detection and education, and community-based research. Westside Family Healthcare Westside Family Healthcare’s mission is to improve the health of communities by providing equal access to quality healthcare, regardless of ability to pay. National Strategic Collaborations Foundation of Asthma and Allergy Impact Rescue (AAIR) The mission of The Foundation for Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue (AAIR) is to make sure that every child is rescued at school, healthy at home, and connected to care. Family Reach Foundation Family Reach is a nonprofit that provides non-medical financial support to families facing cancer. Cancer treatment requires more than medicine — families need a roof over their heads and food on their tables to survive. If a family can’t meet these basic needs, cancer treatment takes a back seat. They work with patients, providers, and community organizations to challenge the systems that force families to choose between their health and their home. LUNGevity Foundation LUNGevity Foundation is transforming what it means to be diagnosed and live with lung cancer through research, advocacy, and community. This mission brings them closer to their vision: a world where no one dies of lung cancer. Association of Black Cardiologists The Association of Black Cardiologists is dedicated to preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, including stroke, through education, research, advocacy, and community engagement, striving for optimal health for all by eliminating disparities. Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s (CCF) mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Founded in 2006, in Salt Lake City, UT, by a family who lost a loved one to cholangiocarcinoma, CCF has grown to become the leading global resource in research, education, and public awareness. ZERO Prostate Cancer Zero Prostate Cancer’s mission is to improve and save lives from prostate cancer through advocacy, awareness, education, and support. GO2 for Lung Cancer GO2 for Lung Cancer relentlessly confronts lung cancer on every front, every day, for everyone. As the nation’s leading lung cancer advocacy organization that was founded by patients and survivors, they are dedicated to increasing survival and quality of life for those at risk, diagnosed, and living with lung cancer. National Minority Quality Forum The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) is a national 501(c)(3) with a mission to reduce patient risk for all. Young Survival Coalition (Breast) Young Survival Coalition supports the young breast cancer community and ignites global collaboration to improve quality of life worldwide. Black Women’s Health Imperative Black Women’s Health Imperative’s mission is to solve the most critical health issues that Black women and girls face through innovative programs, transformative research, and lifesaving policies.
Southern Section coaches continue to complain about playoff system
Competitive equity system using computer algorithm continues to receive mixed reviews from boys' and girls' soccer coaches.
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max Prices: Here's What Rumors Say
Apple is aiming for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max to have the same starting prices as the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, according to Jeff Pu, an equity analyst with investment firm GF Securities.
What’s behind the rush to cash in on kids’ sports?
NEW LENOX, Ill. (WGN) — Most parents can attest to the time and financial drain of kids’ competitive sports. Private equity is also taking notice by gobbling up youth programs in the suburbs.…
Capital One Seizes Control of Discovery Behavioral Health After Defaulting on Debt
Capital One has taken over Webster Equity Partners’ portfolio company, Discovery Behavioral Health. Court documents show that Capital One and its
Haveli To Acquire Budge Studios, Leading Mobile Developer of Digital Interactive Entertainment for Children
Haveli Investments, L.P. (“Haveli” or “Haveli Investments”), a technology and gaming-focused private equity firm, today announced that it has entered into an...
Haveli To Acquire Budge Studios, Leading Mobile Developer of Digital Interactive Entertainment for Children
AUSTIN, Texas, February 09, 2026--Haveli Investments, L.P. ("Haveli" or "Haveli Investments"), a technology and gaming-focused private equity firm, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Budge Studios, a leader in digital interactive entertainment for children, from General Atlantic, a leading global investor. Creating positive and meaningful experiences to inspire kids’ imaginations, Budge Studios is entrusted by, and collaborates with, the world’s most recognized bran
dsm-firmenich announces agreement to divest Animal Nutrition & Health to CVC Capital Partners
dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, today announces it has entered into an agreement with CVC, a leading global private markets manager, to divest its Animal Nutrition & Health (“ANH”) business for an enterprise value of about €2.2 billion, which includes an earnout of up to €0.5 billion. dsm-firmenich will retain a 20% equity stake in the divested ANH Companies, in partnership with CVC.
Exclusive: Vista Equity Partners and Intel to lead investment in AI chip startup Samba Nova, sources say
Private equity firm Vista Equity Partners is leading a new funding round of over $350 million in artificial intelligence chip startup SambaNova Systems, marking a rare departure from its traditional focus on enterprise software, according to people familiar with the matter.
Amazon's AI bet on Anthropic soars to $61 billion valuation
The cloud giant holds convertible notes in Anthropic. As the AI startup raises more money, this debt converts to equity.
Our Partnership with the Women's Sport Foundation
Each year, the Mystics join thousands of women’s sports organizations in celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day—an initiative created by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) to honor female athletic achievement and expand opportunities for girls in sports. But our support and partnership with WSF goes well beyond this day of celebration. The Mystics participate in WSF’s annual National Girls & Women In Sports Convening, bringing together leaders committed to increasing access and equity for girls. We also partner with WSF to host a hands on sports clinic, giving girls the chance to try multiple sports, including basketball. These […]
Aurora James And Fifteen Percent Pledge Return To Honor Black Business Owners At 2026 Gala And Block Party
James and her organization are continuing to support and advance equity for Black-owned businesses by hosting their annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala as part of the 15th Street Block Party Weekend at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on February 7- 8.
Carlyle Group quarterly profit rises on private-equity dealmaking
Asset manager Carlyle Group posted a rise in fourth-quarter profit on Friday, helped by income from deals at its private-equity arm and solid gains across its credit and secondaries businesses.
This Olympic sport doesn’t include women. Now the men’s side is at risk.
Nordic combined has been part of every Winter Games program since 1924, but it’s facing existential questions stemming from participation numbers and gender equity.
Qualcomm: Memory shortage may impact phone business for '6-8 quarters'
After eking out an earnings and revenue beat for its fiscal first quarter, Qualcomm stock (QCOM) is sinking on Thursday over its disappointing revenue outlook. CFRA Research senior vice president and equity analyst Angelo Zino — who has a Buy rating on the stock — examines the long-term impacts that the memory chip shortage may have on Qualcomm's PC and smartphone hardware businesses. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Catalysts.
Leading sports investment firm Arctos acquired by private equity giant KKR
The acquisition gives KKR a range of ownership across virtually every major pro sports league.
Black Castle Capital Partners Wins Best Venture Capital & Private Equity Business of the Year 2026
LONDON, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- London-based consultancy Black Castle Capital Partners has been honoured with the Global 100 – 2026 award for Best Venture Capital & Private Equity Business of the Year in the United Kingdom, recognising its boutique expertise in guiding companies through successful and efficient fundraising processes. Black Castle Capital Partners specialises in tailored introduction services across Private Equity, Venture Capital and Real Estate. The firm’s lean and ni
Baltimore City Health Department held racially segregated equity meetings: report
Baltimore health department reportedly separated employees by race for DEI training using taxpayer funds, sparking widespread controversy.
OpenAI snags Anthropic safety researcher for head of preparedness role
OpenAI hired an Anthropic safety researcher as its head of preparedness, which pays up to $555,000 plus equity.
Baltimore City Health Department held racially segregated equity meetings, records show
The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) separated employees by race for a series of taxpayer-funded equity meetings, according to internal documents obtaine
Actors' Equity, IATSE, Other Entertainment Unions Condemn Kennedy Center Closure
Trump recently announced that the Center would be closed for two years for renovations.
AI will supercharge sports team valuations, says Arctos Partners’ Charles
Arctos is the only private equity firm approved to own equity in teams across all five major North American professional leagues: the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS.
Are Investors Undervaluing Nine Entertainment Co. Holdings Limited (ASX:NEC) By 50%?
Key Insights Nine Entertainment Holdings' estimated fair value is AU$2.43 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity...
Norton Rose Fulbright expands business practice with five partners in two cities
New arrivals advance firm’s transactional and healthcare capabilities in key US marketsChicago, IL, Feb. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright today announced a powerful expansion of its business practice with the addition of an impressive group of corporate, private equity, healthcare, finance and tax lawyers who further enhance the firm’s robust transactional capabilities. Andrew Smolik and Michael Flood join Norton Rose Fulbright’s St. Louis office, as Seth Aigner
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Advancing health equity through collaborative care
Collaborative care models offer a proven blueprint for improving outcomes among Black Americans with HIV.
Bridging the STEM Gap: Women, Science, and Why Prevention Starts with Equity
Women’s inclusion in STEM is critical for ethical AI, equitable health systems and social justice – data shows closing the gap transforms society.
Daiwa Profit Beats Estimates on Equity Trading, Wealth Business
Daiwa Securities Group Inc.’s profit beat estimates last quarter, as Japan’s stock market boom bolstered its equity trading and wealth management businesses.
Premier Radiology Services acquires rival teleradiology group NRad
Backed by private equity investors at Grovecourt Capital Partners, the Florida firm is buying National Radiology Solutions for an undisclosed sum.
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
AI Won't Save Your Business. Your Brand Might.
What's your competitive advantage when AI can do everything everyone does? 20 years of Kantar's BrandZ data point to one answer: brand equity.
New Mexico law has triggered review of two health care mergers since 2024
Lawmakers and advocates argue the law still has loopholes allowing some private equity transactions to avoid scrutiny.
Moolec Science S.A. Receives Nasdaq Staff Memo Supporting Panel Exception Through June 29, 2026 to Regain Compliance with Stockholders' Equity Requirement
GEORGE TOWN, CAYMAN ISLANDS / ACCESS Newswire / January 23, 2026 / Moolec Science S.A. ("Moolec" or the "Company") today announced that Nasdaq Staff has issued a memorandum to the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the "Panel") concluding that there is sufficient ...
GTCR Leans Into Youth Sports With $400M Deal for LiveBarn
GTCR, a Chicago private equity firm, is buying LiveBarn, a youth sports streaming service.
Cutting Back On Red Meat Is Good For Health & Equity
Cutting back on red meat is not about deprivation. It is about replacing it with options that support longer, healthier lives and a more equitable food system.
12 Small Business Grants to Apply for in 2026
These business grant programs won't cost your company any equity—but deadlines are approaching fast.
A Look At The Intrinsic Value Of Goodwill Entertainment Holding Limited (Catalist:GEH)
Key Insights Goodwill Entertainment Holding's estimated fair value is S$0.18 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity...
North Carolina begins planning for $1B rural health initiative
State officials outline next steps to spending federal funds to improve care in rural communities as lawmakers raise concerns about equity.
GTCR Announces Partnership with Gary Swidler to Form Ascent Sports Group
/PRNewswire/ -- GTCR, a leading private equity firm, today announced that it has partnered with Gary Swidler, an experienced consumer technology executive, to...
PSAC announces inaugural L.P. Hill Unity in Sports Award honorees
LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced its inaugural class of L.P. Hill Unity in Sports Award honorees for the 2025-26 season. The award recognizes the contributions of an individual or group on each member campus that, through intercollegiate athletics, epitomizes the promise of Unity, Equity, and Access For All.
How equitable healthcare means a healthier future
The healthcare sector can drive better outcomes with fewer resources through use of digital, AI-enabled and sustainable solutions, and equity at its core.
JPMorgan's Newest Division Wants to Help Your Small Business Raise Money
The investment bank is assembling a new team focused on equity raises and M&A.
Alexandra Navrotsky: ‘I don’t think you attract people to science ...
The nanogeoscientist on the importance of people to good science, the recent turnaround on diversity, equity and inclusion and why she will never be a professional artist
Legendary Entertainment Enters Strategic Partnership With Tokyo Broadcasting System
Tokyo Broadcasting System and Legendary Entertainment have entered into a non-exclusive agreement to source and develop Japanese IP. As part of the agreement, TBS has acquired $150 million of equity from the company and existing shareholders of Legendary, representing a small minority ownership stake in Legendary. Following the transaction, the remaining equity continues to be owned by Legendary …
Betr Entertainment Limited's (ASX:BBT) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 17% Below Its Share Price
Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Betr Entertainment fair value estimate is AU$0.22 Betr...
Commentary: It's premature to call cannabis equity journey a failure
The cannabis industry should be afforded the opportunity to mature as other industries have, writes an industry advocate.
Illinois lending for social equity cannabis businesses tops $62 million
Forgivable loans an acknowledgment of problems many license holders face in raising cash from traditional sources.
Western Pacific Region achieves milestone: 19 countries complete comprehensive health information system assessments
The Health Information and Digital Health (HID) unit in the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific has successfully supported 19 countries, covering 99% of the Region’s population, to conduct comprehensive health information system (HIS) assessments, surpassing the regional target of 15 set for 2025 and advancing efforts toward universal health coverage. Using SCORE, a technical package of essential interventions, recommended actions, tool and resources developed by WHO and partners to address challenges in meeting HIS needs, these assessments systematically assess health data availability and quality, enabling countries to monitor trends, identify and respond to emerging health challenges, and improve policies and programmes for healthier families, communities and societies. The first round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2019-2021 in 14 countries in the Region and over 130 countries globally. The second round of SCORE assessments were conducted between 2024-2025.SCORE assessments are a key priority identified by Member States and WHO at all levels, including within WHO-Country/Multi-Country Cooperation Strategies, the Regional Vision Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025–2029), and the WHO Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14, 2025–2028). Within the Regional Vision, implementing SCORE assessments is a key action for technology and innovation to advance health equity (strand 5).The SCORE for Health Data technical package is based on five key interventions, represented by the acronym SCORE. Interventions S, C and O focus on strengthening core data sources. Survey (S) covers population-based health surveys, surveillance systems and censuses, including their capacity to monitor health-related SDGs. Count (C) focuses on birth, death and cause of death registration as parts of a functional CRVS system. Optimize (O) addresses routine health service data and key health service inputs such as health financing and health workforce.Interventions R and E focus on data use for action. Review (R) examines regular analytical reviews of health sector progress and performance, together with national analytical capacity. Enable (E) looks at the policy, governance, and digital foundations needed to support effective data use.The Western Pacific Region shows relatively strong performance in the Review (R) and Count (C) interventions. Most countries in the Region demonstrate good analytical reporting and institutional capacity for analysis and learning. More than two-thirds of countries show more mature CRVS systems, driven by improvements in birth and death registration. However, medical certification of cause-of-death remains a key gap, with limited or low coverage in over half of countries in the Region.Performance under the Survey (S) intervention is mixed. While surveillance systems are generally strong, several countries in the Region continue to face challenges in implementing their surveys and censuses. Monitoring health-related SDGs is still a challenge for more than a third of countries in the Region.The greatest challenges are observed in the Optimize (O) and Enable (E) interventions. More than half of countries have lower maturity levels in routine health service and resource systems. Two-thirds of countries also face challenges with effective use of data and evidence for policy and action, largely due to gaps in digital infrastructure, governance and legislation for health data systems, and especially in data and sharing.  As part of the SCORE methodology, multi-stakeholder consultations and validation workshops were conducted in many countries to review findings and plan strategies for HIS strengthening. The HID unit continues to provide targeted support to facilitate dialogue and assist countries in developing HIS improvement plans. These plans guide governments and partners to align investments and coordinate efforts for maximum impact.WHO also assists countries with tailored technical support to address key gaps as requested by countries/national health authorities. SCORE assessments should be conducted periodically to monitor progress in HIS strengthening, although progress across addressing gaps identified in SCORE should be continually tracked as countries implement improvements.Additional countries will be supported to implement SCORE in 2026. The Regional Vision delivery-for-impact target, endorsed by Member States, is for all countries and areas to have implemented SCORE assessments and have an increased SCORE index by 2029 while WHO is aiming for 80% of Member States in the Region to conduct round two assessments. Countries yet to complete assessments are therefore encouraged to contact the HID unit at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific for tailored support.The implementation of SCORE HIS assessments in the Western Pacific Region was supported by The Gates Family Foundation.
Bob on Business: Sales of $1M+ homes set record in 2025
Also, SuperFrog gets bobblehead treatment; Tandy gets handy; local firm gets capitalized; city looking for contractors; firm acquired; and private equity makes investments.
MSU awarded $700K, Flint to co-design national health equity program
The work funded by this grant aims to establish priorities and mechanisms for future health equity programs, placing Flint residents at the forefront of health research and decision-making.
Founders Market & Co. is first business to transition to employee ownership through Chip Cargas' nonprofit
In October, the employees of Lancaster-based Founders Market & Co. were brought into a meeting and given sweat equity grants, which promise an amount of ownership shares dependent on how
NH House Republicans pass bill targeting DEI in health services
New Hampshire House Republicans are making another push against diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, in state government.
VENU Expands Multi-Venue Partnership with Aramark Sports + Entertainment
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., January 08, 2026--Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU" or the "Company") (NYSE American: VENU), owner, operator, and developer of premium live entertainment destinations, and award-winning food, beverage, facilities, and retail services provider, Aramark Sports + Entertainment ("Aramark") have expanded their partnership, originally announced in June 2025, to include two additional multi-seasonal venues and an additional equity investment in VENU. Under the strengthened agree
Obesity, M&A, Biotech Resurgence: A 2026 Guide to Health Stocks
The health-care corner of the US equity market has traditionally been viewed as defensive, thanks to steady growth and healthy dividend yields among the industry’s stalwarts. That narrative is changing.
Trump is running a private equity playbook on Venezuela
Trump is running a private equity playbook on Venezuela
KKR to buy sports investor Arctos at $1 billion valuation, Bloomberg News reports
Global investment firm KKR has agreed to acquire Arctos Partners in a deal that values the sports-focused private equity firm at about $1 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday.
The AUX Wellness Collective seeks to increase visibility and business in the new year
Since opening in May, The AUX, a Black-owned wellness collective dedicated to racial equity has faced challenges of visibility and awareness from the
L3Harris sells 60% stake in space propulsion business for $845 million
L3Harris Technologies said on Monday it will sell an about 60% stake in its space propulsion and power systems business to private equity firm AE Industrial Partners for $845 million, including debt.
Why is Great Canadian Entertainment suddenly offloading most of its B.C. casino assets?
Indebted from a private-equity takeover, it's selling off most of its B.C. casinos, with a First Nation taking over the core of its assets.
Sports Business in 2026: Women Get Paid and Dodgers Hate
The Bloomberg sports crew has predictions on everything from private equity in college sports to why there will be more criticism of baseball’s payroll divide.
Sports Business in 2026: Women Get Paid and Dodgers Hate
The Bloomberg sports crew has predictions on everything from private equity in college sports to why there will be more criticism of baseball’s payroll divide.
Sprinkles Cupcakes is closing immediately, says the founder
Sprinkles was one of the last holdouts of the 2000s cupcake boom. The husband-and-wife cofounders sold the company to private equity in 2012.
Brookfield to Start Cloud Business to Lower Cost of AI
Private-equity firm Brookfield is starting its own cloud business, going up against tech giants like Amazon by arguing it can bring down the costs of developing AI. The firm, which has long invested in infrastructure and energy, is becoming the first major investment firm to try to lease chips ...
Business people on the move
Natalia Spanos has joined the Latino Community Association as a 2025 Immigration Law fellow. She joined the association through the Equity Corps of Oregon fellowship program. In addition, the association […]
We need to address the ‘cardiovascular deserts’ in health care: Lee Kirksey
For my part, I refuse to forget the communities like the one in which I grew up that represent the best of Ohio. Cardiovascular deserts are yet another dimension of health disparities that require political will, partnership and tailored strategies to address, writes guest columnist Dr. Lee Kirksey, a Cleveland vascular surgeon and health equity advocate.
Japan brewer Sapporo to sell real estate business to KKR-PAG group for $2.6 billion, NHK reports
Japan's Sapporo Holdings will sell its real estate business to an investor group made up of private equity firms KKR and PAG for more than 400 billion yen ($2.57 billion), public broadcaster NHK said on Wednesday.
WHO updated recommendations on HIV clinical management: recommendations for a public health approach
This document provides an overview of the updated World Health Organization recommendations for HIV clinical management, which focus on optimizing antiretroviral therapy, preventing vertical transmission, and enhancing tuberculosis prevention among individuals with HIV. These updates are intended to support global initiatives aimed at ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Key changes include the introduction of new antiretroviral drugs and regimens, revised postnatal prophylaxis and breastfeeding guidelines for managing infants at risk of vertical transmission, and the endorsement of shorter tuberculosis preventive treatments to improve efficacy and adherence. The recommendations are designed to simplify and advance HIV care, promote equity, and contribute to improved health outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with HIV. The updated guidance will be incorporated into the forthcoming revision of the antiretroviral therapy chapter within the Consolidated Guidelines on HIV Prevention, Testing, Treatment, Service Delivery, and Monitoring: Recommendations for a Public Health Approach.
Office for Health Data, Outcomes, and Engagement Strategy (HDOES)
Learn more about Mount Sinai's Office for Diversity and Inclusion and its mission to advance equity, education, and health care for all.
30 Years of Standing for Science and Equity
This month, AVAC marked our 30th anniversary. Over three decades, the HIV field has evolved dramatically—but what we do, and why we do it, has remained constant: standing for science, equity, and community leadership, and ensuring evidence drives decisions that affect people’s lives. We’ve been able to do this work because of your partnership and […]
Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. could reshape entertainment industry
Netflix is making one of the biggest moves in entertainment history. On Dec. 5, the company announced plans to acquire the film and television businesses of Warner Brothers Discovery in a deal valued at roughly $72 billion in equity. If approved, the acquisition would bring together two of the most powerful forces in modern entertainment....
TKL advises Onza Entertainment on its sale to Culture Cap7
The law firm TKL Abogados has advised Onza Entertainment, a leading independent production and distribution company in the Spanish audiovisual sector, on its sale to the private equity fund Culture Cap7 Fund I. Onza is responsible for some of the most renowned titles in the national audiovisual industry, such as the series El Ministerio del […]
Advancing health equity for people on the move
On International Migrants Day, WHO celebrates the contributions of 304 million international migrants and calls for health equity for people on the move. This year’s theme, “My Great Story: Cultures and Development”, underscores that refugee and migrant health is a right, essential for resilience and thriving communities. WHO works with Member States and partners to build inclusive, culturally sensitive health systems, guided by its Global Action Plan on Refugee and Migrant Health. Recent initiatives include the WHO Dashboard on global experiences, leadership training through the Health and Migration School, and free competency courses for health workers. WHO urges continued action to remove barriers, invest in migrant-sensitive systems, and achieve health for all.
PR agencies eye equity with client-focused venture arms
Capital V, a boutique PR firm founded by Jessica Schaefer, is the latest to launch a venture arm.
Jared Kushner's Affinity stepping away from Paramount-Warner Bros bid
Kushner's private equity firm, Affinity Partners, is backing out of Paramount's $108 billion WBD bid.
AI blueprint from NAACP prioritizes health equity in model development
Artificial intelligence could further widen race-based disparities in healthcare, the organization says. Its new blueprint is meant as a first step in a larger, more ambitious campaign to ensure that racial fairness is a priority for U.S. healthcare AI.
Funding College Sports With Private Equity Is Way Better Than Hitting Students With Higher Fees
Plus: Fix the NBA Cup by blowing it up, World Cup ticket prices or lotteries, and more.
Household air pollution
WHO fact sheet on indoor air pollution: includes key facts, definition, impact on health, impact on health equity, WHO response.
UH physician mentor honored for commitment to health equity | University of Hawaiʻi System News
Whitman College has honored Elliot Kalauawa with its highest alumni award.
WHO highlights health risks and opportunities in the global waste crisis
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report, Throwing away our health: the impacts of solid waste on human health – evidence, knowledge gaps and health sector responses, warns that poorly managed solid waste is driving a public health crisis and calls for urgent action to protect people and the environments they live in.Globally, the volume of municipal solid waste is growing at an unprecedented rate. Yet, many countries still lack the systems and resources to manage this waste safely. “Solid waste reflects how our societies produce and consume, and how we treat people and the environment in the process,” said Dr Ruediger Krech, Director a.i., Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health & Migration at the World Health Organization. “If we continue to treat waste as an afterthought, we will lock in avoidable disease, climate pollution and deep social inequities. This report is a clear call to put health and equity at the centre of how we design, manage and ultimately reduce waste.”The report summarizes evidence on how solid waste – especially municipal solid waste – affects health through polluted air, water, soil and food. When waste is not collected, or is dumped, burned or not poorly treated, it can release hazardous chemicals, contaminate drinking-water sources and create breeding grounds for insects and rodents.Communities underserved by waste management services, those living near dumpsites and poorly managed landfills and incinerators, children and pregnant women, as well as waste workers – particularly those working informally – face the greatest risks. For the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) community, the report underlines that safe management of municipal and health care waste is integral to safely managed, climate-resilient systems.A large share of municipal solid waste is still not collected or is disposed of in uncontrolled conditions, including open dumpsites and open burning. These practices damage ecosystems, contribute to climate change and undermine efforts to build healthy cities. When waste is properly managed, however, it can become a resource – generating energy and creating green jobs. The report calls for a coordinated, multisectoral response grounded in the waste hierarchy: preventing waste where possible, then reducing, reusing and recycling, with safe recovery and disposal.Key actions for governments and partners include reducing waste generation at source; expanding affordable and reliable waste collection services, especially in underserved communities; improving control at recovery and disposal facilities; and eliminating open dumping and burning, including hazardous waste. The new report identifies a central role for the health sector in addressing solid waste as a public health threat. The health sector can prevent and minimize health-care waste at source, improve segregation and safe treatment, invest in cleaner climate-resilient technologies, and advocate for health-protective policies and standards. The report also encourages more surveillance, research and biomonitoring to strengthen the evidence base, and promotes social protection and inclusion of informal waste workers.“This report gives countries and health authorities a very practical agenda,” said Mr Bruce Gordon, Head, Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Health Unit, WHO. “Health ministries can start now by ensuring safe management of health-care waste, developing strong occupational health programmes for waste workers, and working with municipalities to reduce health risks from solid waste by closing open dumps and burn sites and gradually improving towards safe services. These concrete steps save lives today and will make cities cleaner and healthier in the future.
Dropping equity goals for businesses widens inequality
We call on the MMSD Commission to build on decades of progress and uphold policies that narrow long-standing racial and gender inequities.
Sources: Big 12 nearing private capital deal that could raise up to $500 million
The Big 12 deal closely follows the finalization of an equity partnership that one of the league’s members, Utah, struck earlier this week.
Private equity-backed group says it's pumping $10M into Bay Area sports complex
"It's a facility that needs some love and affection."
It abandoned DEI but it's still accused of being 'woke.' Here's why.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is accused of protecting “woke political goals" because of its support for diversity, equity and inclusion.
CNBC Sport: Utah breaks the private equity seal with historic $500 million investment
Utah may have designed a template for other schools to bring in private capital to help fund their athletic programs.
Wetzel: Beware, college sports, private equity has arrived
The University of Utah approved a groundbreaking private equity deal. Dan Wetzel writes that big changes could follow.
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
Utah's landmark deal has officially brought private equity to college sports
In today's edition: Utah's landmark deal, Messi wins MVP (again), NFL power rankings, Teddy Bear Toss, A'ja Wilson named TIME's Athlete of the Year, and more.
Private equity makes its first college sports play
The University of Utah has agreed to a for-profit deal with Otro Capital.
Safran Agrees to Sell In-Flight Entertainment Unit to Kingswood
French aircraft engine maker Safran SA, which supplies Airbus SE and Boeing Co., entered into a definitive agreement to sell its in-flight entertainment and connectivity business to private equity firm Kingswood Capital Management LP.
Investment Firm APEX Is Raising $350 Million To Target European Sports Assets
Large private equity funds have mostly scorned the continent’s smaller teams and leagues, but CEO António Caçorino thinks he can generate outsize returns with deals from $15 million to $50 million.
University of Utah approves groundbreaking athletics plan to pursue private equity
While other schools like Clemson and Kentucky have spun off similar entities, Utah would be the first to include outside investors.