The High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) under the theme ‘Investing in the present and securing our future together: accelerating multisectoral global, regional and national actions to address antimicrobial resistance’ was convened by the President of the General Assembly on 26 September 2024 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
In 2016 the first high-level meeting on AMR resulted in a political declaration that laid the foundation for global action against AMR.
Held in September 2024, this second high-level meeting on AMR marks a critical juncture, as the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic which exerted considerable shocks on the global health system, perpetuating the long-time problem of overuse of antibiotics worldwide and exacerbating the "silent" spread of AMR.
Emma Berntman, Senior Engagement Specialist - AMR at FAIRR, said:
“In September, investors representing US $13 trillion in combined assets set out seven asks for global action on AMR. They will be encouraged to see the UN’s new Political Declaration on AMR acknowledge the importance of addressing animal, human and environmental health as one – taking a stronger stance than the last declaration in 2016.
“Investors will welcome the creation of an independent scientific panel by 2025 to provide evidence-based guidance to tackle the global AMR crisis – backed by €2.5 million from the EU. This panel can provide a ‘north star’ for action on AMR, much as the IPCC did for climate change.
“A timebound commitment to reduce the quantity of antimicrobials used globally in agri-food systems by 2030 is welcome. However, the dilution of the ‘30% reduction’ target touted ahead of the final declaration to a ‘meaningful reduction’ is a missed opportunity – with an estimated 73% of antimicrobials used on livestock rather than people worldwide.
“Investor signatories to September’s statement from the Investor Action on AMR initiative, co-founded by FAIRR, will view the UN’s Political Declaration as a positive step forward. However, there is a long way to go before all their asks are met – and investors will remain mindful of the sustained effort and increased ambition required to protect public health and portfolios from the accelerating AMR crisis.”
Notes to editor
For more information, including interviews and further comment, please contact:
Georgia Dalton, ESG Communications
Contact number: +44 (0)7798 751 529 | e: georgia@esgcomms.com
About FAIRR
The FAIRR Initiative is a global investor network, founded by Jeremy Coller, with a membership representing $75 trillion in assets under management. FAIRR works with institutional investors to define the material sustainability issues linked to intensive animal agriculture and provides them with the research, tools and engagements necessary to integrate this information into their asset stewardship and investment decisions. This includes the Coller FAIRR Protein Producer Index, the world’s first comprehensive assessment of the largest global animal protein companies on environmental, social and governance issues. Visit www.fairr.org.