The World Health Assembly formally adopting the first-ever WHO Pandemic Agreement took centerstage on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 among all major events across the globe, and remains the highlight of this week's list of center stage events.
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Centerstage events of week 3
The UN’s top court rules in favor...
The UN’s top court rules in favor of Equatorial Guinea in a long-standing dispute with Gabon over three uninhabited, potentially oil-rich islands—Conga, Mbanié, and Cocoteros. The International Court of Justice honors a 1900 colonial treaty backing Equatorial Guinea’s claim, rejecting Gabon’s 1974 counterclaim. Gabon must now withdraw troops from Mbanié. Both nations agree to negotiate post-ruling, emphasizing peaceful coexistence despite decades of tension over the islands in the Gulf of Guinea.
Monday, 19 May, 2025
The World Health Assembly...
The World Health Assembly formally adopts the first-ever WHO Pandemic Agreement after over three years of negotiations. Triggered by gaps exposed during COVID-19, the agreement enhances global collaboration for a stronger, fairer pandemic response. WHO chief Dr. Tedros calls it a win for science and multilateralism. The next step is negotiating a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system to ensure no country is left vulnerable in future health emergencies.
Tuesday, 20 May, 2025
Prime Minister Netanyahu...
Prime Minister Netanyahu says Operation Gideon’s Chariots aims to fully defeat Hamas and place all of Gaza under Israeli security control. He announces a joint U.S.-Israel humanitarian aid plan with food deliveries, distribution by U.S. firms, and a Hamas-free “sterile zone” for civilians. He sets conditions for ending the war, including disarming Hamas and implementing the Trump plan. Meanwhile, two Israeli embassy staffers are shot dead in Washington, D.C.; the suspect is arrested.
Wednesday, 21 May, 2025
Mauritius and the UK...
Mauritius and the UK sign a landmark deal granting Mauritius control over the Chagos Islands, excluding Diego Garcia, which remains under UK-US military use. Emotional scenes unfold as Chagossians celebrate the chance to return after over 50 years of exile. Activists hail the move as completing Mauritius’ decolonisation. The agreement affirms Mauritius’ sovereignty while addressing UK-US security concerns, marking a historic moment of justice and national unity for Mauritians.
Thursday, 22 May, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump...
U.S. President Donald Trump announces a 50% tariff on all goods imported from European Union countries starting June 1, citing stalled trade talks and unfair EU practices. He criticizes EU trade barriers, VAT taxes, and lawsuits against American firms. European markets react sharply, with the German DAX, French CAC 40, and British FTSE 100 reporting immediate losses. Trump emphasizes that U.S.-made products remain exempt from these tariffs.
Friday, 23 May, 2025
Daniel Noboa is sworn in for...
Daniel Noboa is sworn in for a second term as Ecuador’s president in a ceremony at the National Assembly, notably boycotted by the main opposition party, Citizens' Revolution. Assembly president Niels Olsen conducts the oath. In his address, Noboa declares a “war for the soul of the country,” pledging to fight organized crime networks that, he says, aim to destabilize the state and spread fear. He vows firm action against criminal mafias, not just common crime.
Saturday, 24 May, 2025
Parliamentary elections take place in Venezuela...
Parliamentary elections take place in Venezuela amid an opposition boycott and increased government repression. Simultaneously, Venezuela escalates its long-standing territorial dispute by holding an election in Guyana’s Essequibo region, which it claims. Guyanese President Irfaan Ali warns of “consequences” if Venezuela proceeds further. The dispute, rooted in colonial-era boundaries inherited from Spain, the Netherlands, and Britain, continues to strain regional stability as Guyana bolsters military presence near the contested border.
Sunday, 25 May, 2025
