News from April 2024
Keeping Communities Connected in Small Island Developing States
By Globe Banner | Apr 23, 2024
The World Bank has been actively involved in enhancing connectivity and resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through various projects and initiatives. As of 2023, 3 million people in 20 SIDS are already benefiting from improved transportation services, with ongoing efforts set to extend these benefits to an additional 5 million individuals in the coming years.In Samoa, for example, the entire population has witnessed enhanced access to transport services thanks to World Bank-supported projects implemented between 2013 and 2022. Similarly, in Haiti,...
Transparency concerns highlighted at SCM Committee meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 23, 2024
Transparency concerns were at the center of discussions during a recent meeting of the Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM) Committee. The Chair emphasized the importance of timely notifications from members, stating, "all members benefit from the collective effort of timely and complete notifications." Eight other members echoed these concerns and calls.The Chair also praised the WTO Secretariat's support and a successful technical assistance project aimed at improving the notification process. He noted that the project led to 11 out of 23 developing and least...
U.S.-Timor-Leste partnership reinforced during Kristin Kane's visit
By Globe Banner | Apr 23, 2024
Kristin M. Kane, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Global Public Affairs, has concluded a three-day official visit to Timor-Leste.
Scaling Up Co-Financing for Greater Development Impact
By Globe Banner | Apr 23, 2024
In response to the growing challenges posed by overlapping global crises, a new initiative has been launched to enhance collaboration among development partners and maximize the impact of funding for global development. Akihiko Nishio, World Bank Vice President for Development Finance, emphasized the importance of concerted efforts in addressing these complex issues, stating, "The global financing landscape is becoming more challenging, and it has become clear that tackling the world’s polycrisis requires the concerted effort of the global community."The Global...
IDA—A Crucial Player in the Evolving Global Aid Landscape
By Globe Banner | Apr 23, 2024
Apr 23 2024The International Development Association (IDA) has been highlighted as a crucial player in the evolving global aid landscape. A recently launched report titled "Financing the Future: IDA’s Role in the Evolving Global Aid Architecture" emphasizes the significance of IDA's role in providing support to the 1.3 billion people residing in the world's poorest nations.The report sheds light on the complexities of the relationship between donors and recipient countries in the face of escalating challenges such as climate change, conflict, and pandemics. Despite...
IMF announces agreement with Central African Republic
By Globe Banner | Apr 23, 2024
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has declared that it has reached a staff-level agreement with the Central African Republic on the second review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). This agreement sets the stage for the impending approval of the second review of the ECF-supported program by the IMF Executive Board, provided certain economic policy conditions are met.
WTO members review safeguard actions during latest biannual committee meeting
By Globe Banner | Apr 22, 2024
WTO members gathered for their latest biannual committee meeting to review safeguard actions, with a particular focus on legislative notifications and specific safeguard actions taken by various countries. Japan and Australia raised concerns over the recent increase in safeguard initiations and impositions, labeling them as inappropriate use of the instrument.During the meeting, notifications of new or amended national safeguard legislation or regulations from several countries were reviewed. Additionally, specific safeguard actions taken by countries such as Indonesia,...
Access to Safe Drinking Water Transforms Lives in Conakry
By Globe Banner | Apr 22, 2024
Residents of Sig Madina in Conakry, Guinea, have seen a significant improvement in their daily lives thanks to access to safe drinking water. Makalé Cissé, a mother of five, used to struggle to meet her family's water needs, often walking long distances to fetch water of questionable quality. Reflecting on the past challenges, Makalé stated, "Not only was it a long way to go, but the quality of the water wasn’t even good enough. My children would often get sick; plus, having to go and fetch water affected my daughter’s performance at school."However, with the...
Trade Policy Review: Morocco
By Globe Banner | Apr 22, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) conducted a Trade Policy Review of Morocco, with the discussions focusing on various reports and documents. The Secretariat report, prepared independently by the WTO Secretariat, provided a detailed analysis of Morocco's trade policies. In addition, the Government report, which presented a policy statement from the Moroccan government, was also a key document in the review process.According to the WTO's procedures, the Secretariat and Government reports were thoroughly examined and deliberated upon by the WTO's full membership in the...
WTO releases report on Chinese duties affecting Australian wine
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released a panel report concerning the duties imposed by China on Australian wine. On March 29, both parties informed the WTO that they had arrived at a mutually agreed solution to address the issues raised in this dispute.
USAID seeks development assistance specialist for Turkmenistan office
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a vacancy for the position of Development Assistance Specialist in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Working Party reviews state trading enterprise notifications amid calls for transparency
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
The Working Party recently reviewed new notifications on state trading enterprises from eleven members, including Albania, Australia, Iceland, Macao (China), Montenegro, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Seychelles, South Africa, Chinese Taipei, and Uruguay. Additionally, delegations raised further questions regarding previous notifications from China, India, Mauritius, and the Philippines.
Ambassador reflects on nuclear disarmament at Nagasaki's Atomic Bomb Museum
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield recently visited the Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki, Japan, where she reflected on the impact of nuclear weapons and the importance of disarmament.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield discusses nuclear disarmament with Nagasaki students
By Globe Banner | Apr 19, 2024
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield recently engaged with students at the Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki, Japan.
International Monetary Fund selects Kristalena Georgieva for a second term as Managing Director
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Executive Board announced last week that Kristalena Georgieva has been selected to serve a second term as IMF Managing Director. Georgieva's second term will commence in October and span five years.
U.S., Japan discuss UN cooperation and North Korean threats
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, held a meeting with Japan’s National Security Advisor Takeo Akiba.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield discusses U.S. commitment at Tokyo press event
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, recently spoke at a press availability in Tokyo, Japan.
U.S. and Japan reaffirm alliance during UNSC discussions
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, held a meeting with Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.
U.S. condemns Iran's actions at UN Security Council debate
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
Thank you, Mr. President.
U.S. Embassy answers common questions about passports in April's "Ask the Consul
By Globe Banner | Apr 18, 2024
In the latest edition of "Ask the Consul," the U.S. Embassy in Guyana addresses several common questions regarding U.S. passports for citizens traveling to or residing in Guyana.