Latest news with #EasternMediterranean
New York Times
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Westmoreland Serves an All-Day Menu in the Revamped Frick Collection
Opening For a museum, the Frick Collection is notably intimate, as is its new cafe. A first for the mansion that opened as a museum in 1935, it's in an area newly accessible to visitors on the second floor. The name is that of the Frick family's private railway car, which was substantially larger than its namesake restaurant. The oblong room done in pale green with crimson accents and a glittery full bar is run by Union Square Events with the chef Skyllar Hughes in charge. The all-day menu (museum hours only, admission and same-day reservations required) is an all-purpose pleaser, with quiche, scones, tomato soup, Caesar salad, avocado toast, poached trout and chicken Milanese. (Opens Friday) The Frick Collection, 1 East 70th Street, Departing from his usual Italian template, the restaurateur Mark Barak (La Pecora Bianca) is venturing to the Eastern Mediterranean with the help of Einat Admony. Replacing his short-lived Lupetto, Mr. Barak has kept the wood-fired oven but lightened the greenery-filled space with white walls, tile accents and textiles in tones of terra cotta, salmon and gold. The menu follows Ms. Admony's familiar playbook of spreads, falafel, skewers, shawarma, tagine and other dishes seasoned with preserved lemon, harissa, zhug, chermoula and tahini. There are summery drinks made with citrus, pomegranate, watermelon and hibiscus. (Opens Thursday) 1123 Broadway (25th Street), 212-547-8750, Annie Shi, a partner in the restaurants King and Jupiter, has opened this wine bar in Chinatown. She has selected more than 350 wines that demonstrate low-intervention production (a must these days), among others, then chose Chinese items like cured ham, fried cheese similar to halloumi, and sweet-and-sour short ribs to go with them. Patty Lee, formerly of Mission Chinese Food, had a hand in the menu. The elegant little room is dressed with works by artists with Chinese ancestry. (Friday) 15-17 Doyers Street (Pell Street), Tastes of Rome, Tuscany, Puglia and Naples outnumber those of the Emilia-Romagna in New York, but this newcomer is improving the balance. The chef, Roberto Aita (of Aita in Clinton Hill), offers regional and seasonal dishes like tagliatelle with peas and tomato-meat sauce; ravioli verdi with ricotta, pecorino di fossa and ramps; and branzino in raw tomato sauce with agretti, a succulent plant, all served in a pale room with antiques from Italy. 241 Smith Street (Douglass Street), Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, The West Village restaurant that first opened in 2007, then relocated to the Gotham West Market in Hell's Kitchen, which closed, has now reopened with longtime partners, the chef Andrew Whitney, and managers Danir Rincon and Jacob Cohen, in charge. As ever, pastas are the specialty. (Friday) 18 Cornelia Street (Bleecker Street), 212-366-6633, Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Panel urges regional unity against tobacco industry tactics
KUWAIT: On the occasion of World No-Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, the Kuwait Society for Controlling Smoking and Cancer hosted a virtual panel discussion titled: 'Decision Makers... Methods of Promoting Smoking.' The event brought together experts and specialists in tobacco control to examine the influence of industry tactics and propose effective counter-strategies. Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, a board member of the society, moderated the discussion, welcoming participants and underscoring the need for dialogue between decision-makers and civil society to shape policies that curb tobacco use. Key speakers included Dr Khalid Ahmed Al-Saleh, Chairman of the Society; Dr Ibtihal Fadel, Chair of the Eastern Mediterranean NCD Alliance; Dr Fatima Al-Awa, Regional Advisor for the Tobacco Free Initiative at the World Health Organization (WHO); and Dr Amal Al-Yahya, Rapporteur of the National Program to Combat Smoking. The symposium opened with a presentation by Dr Fatima Al-Awa, titled 'Debunking Tobacco Companies.' She highlighted the misleading marketing practices of tobacco companies targeting youth, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean region, where consumption is on the rise. Dr Al-Awa warned of the industry's efforts to influence health policies, which undermines regional tobacco control efforts. She concluded by presenting WHO's key recommendations—strengthening governance, protecting policy-making from commercial influence, and increasing taxes on tobacco products—as critical steps to reduce consumption. Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen Dr Khalid Al-Saleh Next, Dr Khalid Al-Saleh delivered a presentation on 'The Health Effects of Smoking and its Alternatives.' He reviewed recent data linking tobacco use to various cancers and debunked claims that alternatives like e-cigarettes are 'less harmful.' Citing emerging scientific evidence, he stressed that no form of tobacco use is safe and that full cessation remains the only effective option. Dr Al-Saleh emphasized the importance of regional collaboration among NGOs, in partnership with WHO, to counter the influence of tobacco companies. Dr Ibtihal Fadel followed with a presentation on 'The Role of NGOs in Tobacco Control,' emphasizing the importance of activating civil society's role in shaping health policy and public awareness campaigns. She noted that social media is a powerful tool for reaching young people—the primary target of tobacco advertising—and urged NGOs to expose deceptive marketing and push for stricter laws. Dr Fadel also highlighted successful case studies from the region and called for a cultural shift that frames smoking as a socially and medically unacceptable behavior. She concluded by pointing to the upcoming high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a vital opportunity to mobilize support for regional and global tobacco control. Finally, Dr Amal Al-Yahya presented on 'The Importance of an Integrated Approach in Confronting the Tobacco Industry.' She shared recent data on smoking rates in Kuwait, particularly among youth, and outlined national policies aligned with WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Dr Al-Yahya advocated for a cross-sectoral strategy—engaging health, education, and legislative bodies—to counter industry influence and strengthen preventive efforts. The session closed with remarks from Dr Hessa Al-Shaheen, who thanked the speakers and participants for their contributions, highlighting the value of continued collaboration and scientific dialogue in this critical public health area. This event is part of the society's broader mission to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco, advocate for stronger public health policies, and promote smoke-free environments in line with Kuwait's national and international commitments.
NDTV
7 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
World Health Body Restructures, Cuts Budget After US Withdrawal
The World Health Organization tried to stabilise its finances at its annual assembly which ended on Tuesday, but still remains well short of reaching its already reduced target. Hit by the withdrawal of its biggest donor, the United States, the WHO trimmed its already smaller 2026-2027 budget from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion. The UN health agency's programme budget for 2024-2025 was $6.8 billion. The slimmer budget plan was approved during the World Health Assembly, which serves as the WHO's decision-making body. But a funding gap of some $1.7 billion remains. How WHO Funding Works WHO budgets run in two-year cycles. Founded in 1948, the agency initially received all its funding through "assessed contributions": nations' membership fees calculated according to wealth and population. However, the WHO became increasingly reliant on "voluntary contributions", which only go towards outcomes specified by the donor. By the 2020-2021 cycle, assessed contributions represented only 16 percent of the approved programme budget. And the organisation had long been over-reliant on voluntary funding from a few major donors. 2026-2027 Budget In 2022, member states agreed to increase their assessed contributions to represent 50 percent of the WHO's core budget by the 2030-2031 cycle at the latest -- giving the WHO more stable, flexible and predictable income streams. They upped membership fees by 20 percent as part of the 2024-2025 budget. At this year's assembly, countries approved another 20 percent increase in membership fees, which should represent an additional $90 million in revenue per year. They also endorsed the WHO's 2026-2027 budget of $4.2 billion. "Your approval of the next increase in assessed contributions was a strong vote of confidence in your WHO at this critical time," the organisation's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tuesday in closing the assembly. Most of that money is already assured. "We have now secured 60 percent of our base budget for 2026-2027; a remarkable result in today's financial climate," said Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean regional director. But that means the agency is still $1.7 billion short, despite the reduced budget. Pledges At a pledging event last week, donors put in an additional $210 million for the 2025-2028 investment round, supporting the WHO's base budget. That included $80 million from Switzerland, $57 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, $13.5 million from Sweden and $6 million from Qatar. "In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work," said Tedros. United States Upon returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump started the one-year process for leaving the WHO, and had frozen virtually all US foreign aid. The United States was traditionally the WHO's largest donor. Washington's departure, and its refusal to pay its membership fees for 2024 and 2025, has left the WHO reeling financially. Washington did not attend the World Health Assembly. However, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sent a video message in which he branded the organization as bloated and moribund, and urged other countries to "consider joining us" in creating new institutions instead. Kennedy said the UN agency was under undue influence from China, gender ideology and the pharmaceutical industry. Reorganisation The budget cuts have forced the WHO to reorganise. It is reducing its executive management team from 14 to seven due to the dramatic US funding cuts. The number of departments is being reduced from 76 to 34. The WHO has not yet announced any large-scale layoffs, unlike other UN agencies.
GMA Network
7 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
WHO restructures, cuts budget after US withdrawal
The World Health Organization tried to stabilize its finances at its annual assembly which ended on Tuesday, but still remains well short of reaching its already reduced target. Hit by the withdrawal of its biggest donor, the United States, the WHO trimmed its already smaller 2026-2027 budget from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion. The UN health agency's program budget for 2024-2025 was $6.8 billion. The slimmer budget plan was approved during the World Health Assembly, which serves as the WHO's decision-making body. But a funding gap of some $1.7 billion remains. How WHO funding works WHO budgets run in two-year cycles. Founded in 1948, the agency initially received all its funding through "assessed contributions": nations' membership fees calculated according to wealth and population. However, the WHO became increasingly reliant on "voluntary contributions," which only go towards outcomes specified by the donor. By the 2020–2021 cycle, assessed contributions represented only 16 percent of the approved program budget. And the organization had long been over-reliant on voluntary funding from a few major donors. 2026-2027 budget In 2022, member states agreed to increase their assessed contributions to represent 50 percent of the WHO's core budget by the 2030-2031 cycle at the latest -- giving the WHO more stable, flexible and predictable income streams. They upped membership fees by 20 percent as part of the 2024-2025 budget. At this year's assembly, countries approved another 20 percent increase in membership fees, which should represent an additional $90 million in revenue per year. They also endorsed the WHO's 2026-2027 budget of $4.2 billion. "Your approval of the next increase in assessed contributions was a strong vote of confidence in your WHO at this critical time," the organization's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tuesday in closing the assembly. Most of that money is already assured. "We have now secured 60 percent of our base budget for 2026-2027; a remarkable result in today's financial climate," said Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean regional director. But that means the agency is still $1.7 billion short, despite the reduced budget. Pledges At a pledging event last week, donors put in an additional $210 million for the 2025-2028 investment round, supporting the WHO's base budget. That included $80 million from Switzerland, $57 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, $13.5 million from Sweden and $6 million from Qatar. "In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work," said Tedros. United States Upon returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump started the one-year process for leaving the WHO, and had frozen virtually all US foreign aid. The United States was traditionally the WHO's largest donor. Washington's departure, and its refusal to pay its membership fees for 2024 and 2025, has left the WHO reeling financially. Washington did not attend the World Health Assembly. However, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sent a video message in which he branded the organization as bloated and moribund, and urged other countries to "consider joining us" in creating new institutions instead. Kennedy said the UN agency was under undue influence from China, gender ideology and the pharmaceutical industry. Reorganization The budget cuts have forced the WHO to reorganize. It is reducing its executive management team from 14 to seven due to the dramatic US funding cuts. The number of departments is being reduced from 76 to 34. The WHO has not yet announced any large-scale layoffs, unlike other UN agencies. — Agence France-Presse
The Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
WHO restructures, cuts budget after US withdrawal
GENEVA: The World Health Organization tried to stabilise its finances at its annual assembly which ended on Tuesday, but still remains well short of reaching its already reduced target. Hit by the withdrawal of its biggest donor, the United States, the WHO trimmed its already smaller 2026-2027 budget from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion. The UN health agency's programme budget for 2024-2025 was $6.8 billion. The slimmer budget plan was approved during the World Health Assembly, which serves as the WHO's decision-making body. But a funding gap of some $1.7 billion remains. How WHO funding works WHO budgets run in two-year cycles. Founded in 1948, the agency initially received all its funding through 'assessed contributions': nations' membership fees calculated according to wealth and population. However, the WHO became increasingly reliant on 'voluntary contributions', which only go towards outcomes specified by the donor. By the 2020-2021 cycle, assessed contributions represented only 16 percent of the approved programme budget. And the organisation had long been over-reliant on voluntary funding from a few major donors. 2026-2027 budget In 2022, member states agreed to increase their assessed contributions to represent 50 percent of the WHO's core budget by the 2030-2031 cycle at the latest -- giving the WHO more stable, flexible and predictable income streams. They upped membership fees by 20 percent as part of the 2024-2025 budget. At this year's assembly, countries approved another 20 percent increase in membership fees, which should represent an additional $90 million in revenue per year. They also endorsed the WHO's 2026-2027 budget of $4.2 billion. 'Your approval of the next increase in assessed contributions was a strong vote of confidence in your WHO at this critical time,' the organisation's chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tuesday in closing the assembly. Most of that money is already assured. 'We have now secured 60 percent of our base budget for 2026-2027; a remarkable result in today's financial climate,' said Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean regional director. But that means the agency is still $1.7 billion short, despite the reduced budget. Pledges At a pledging event last week, donors put in an additional $210 million for the 2025-2028 investment round, supporting the WHO's base budget. That included $80 million from Switzerland, $57 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, $13.5 million from Sweden and $6 million from Qatar. 'In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work,' said Tedros. United States Upon returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump started the one-year process for leaving the WHO, and had frozen virtually all US foreign aid. The United States was traditionally the WHO's largest donor. Washington's departure, and its refusal to pay its membership fees for 2024 and 2025, has left the WHO reeling financially. Washington did not attend the World Health Assembly. However, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sent a video message in which he branded the organization as bloated and moribund, and urged other countries to 'consider joining us' in creating new institutions instead. Kennedy said the UN agency was under undue influence from China, gender ideology and the pharmaceutical industry. Reorganisation The budget cuts have forced the WHO to reorganise. It is reducing its executive management team from 14 to seven due to the dramatic US funding cuts. The number of departments is being reduced from 76 to 34. The WHO has not yet announced any large-scale layoffs, unlike other UN agencies.
