News published on Globe Banner in July 2024

Phnom Penh, July 29, 2024—The World Bank has appointed Tania Meyer as its new Country Manager for Cambodia.

Efforts bolster food security amid desert locust crisis in South Sudan

Desert locusts are the most destructive migratory agricultural pests globally, with a small swarm capable of consuming as much food in one day as 35,000 people. The upsurge that began affecting South Sudan in April 2020 was driven by climate change and conflict. Two cyclones hit the Arabian Peninsula in 2018, preventing effective swarm control due to ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Somalia. By April 2020, 23 countries were affected. Swarms reached South Sudan in March 2020, damaging over 20,000 hectares of crops; insecurity and COVID-19 restrictions prevented a full damage...

World Bank approves $600 million for Türkiye's earthquake recovery

The World Bank Board has approved $600 million in financing to support the revival of micro enterprises destroyed or severely damaged by the earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023.

World Bank approves $150 million boost for Azerbaijan's employment support program

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved an additional $150 million in financing to expand the ongoing Azerbaijan Employment Support Project (AESP). The project aims to assist vulnerable populations, particularly internally displaced persons, women, youth, and the long-term unemployed, by promoting self-employment opportunities.

World Bank supports Serbia's real estate management with $32.5M loan

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a EUR30 million ($32.5 million equivalent) loan for the Second Real Estate Management Project, aimed at enhancing Serbia's real property management systems.

Business leaders outline priorities ahead of Hungarian EU presidency

By Globe Banner | Jul 28, 2024

The Presidents and Directors General of BusinessEurope’s member federations convened in Budapest today, hosted by the Hungarian member federation MGYOSZ – BusinessHungary. The gathering aimed to communicate business priorities for the European Union as Hungary prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Key discussions were held with Tamás Sulyok, President of Hungary, Màrton Nagy, Minister for the National Economy of Hungary, and Enrico Letta, author of a recent report on the future of the Single Market.

Biden discusses Gaza crisis with Jordan's King Abdullah II

By Globe Banner | Jul 28, 2024

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. held a conversation with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza and other regional issues.

Town hall meeting for U.S. citizens scheduled in Quetzaltenango

By Globe Banner | Jul 28, 2024

The U.S. Embassy's American Citizen Services unit has announced a Town Hall Meeting for U.S. citizens in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

Pilot program launched in Lebanon supports economic empowerment for low-income households

BEIRUT, July 25, 2024 – The Ministry of Social Affairs, the René Moawad Foundation, and the World Bank launched today the Productive Economic Inclusion in Lebanon (PEIL) program. This pilot initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of 1,500 low-income Lebanese households who are current beneficiaries of the Emergency Social Safety Net Program (ESSNP). Funded by a $2.7 million grant from the Japan Social Development Fund, the PEIL program complements the ESSNP by providing services aimed at enhancing household income, welfare, and resilience.

World Bank highlights women's empowerment in Sub-Saharan Africa

Saying that women are vital to ending poverty is particularly relevant in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the devastating social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in Western and Central Africa have been challenging norms and stereotypes.

WTO Dispute Panels Established Over EU Citrus Import Measures

South Africa has submitted its second requests for two panels in disputes it initiated concerning European Union regulations governing the importation of citrus fruits. These measures, aimed at controlling the spread of the insect Thaumatotibia leucotreta (False Codling Moth) and the fungus P. citricarpa (citrus black spot), have impacted South African citrus imports. The EU previously declined South Africa's first requests at a DSB meeting on 24 June.

Mauritania's economy shows resilience amid global challenges but faces long-term structural issues

Nouakchott, July 26, 2024 – Despite a slowdown in economic growth in 2023, lower inflation and improved fiscal and external balances have helped strengthen Mauritania's macroeconomic stability. Although growth has moderated, it remains above the global average and that of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Poll by Vapor Technology Association: 'Voters favor commonsense reform over outright bans'

A poll conducted by Kellyanne Conway on proposed e-cigarette bans indicated that "voters favor commonsense reform over outright bans." Conway's statement was shared in a Vapor Technology Association (VTA) press release on July 8.

World Bank releases economic update on Mauritania’s slowdown

NOUAKCHOTT, July 26, 2024 - The World Bank has released the seventh edition of its Economic Update for Mauritania, highlighting a slowdown in economic growth in 2023 despite strengthened macroeconomic stability.

U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan seeks bids for new vehicle acquisition

The U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan has announced a solicitation for quotations regarding the procurement of a new vehicle for OBO Ashgabat, identified as PR12613060.

WTO concludes advanced trade policy course for Spanish-speaking officials

The advanced trade policy course for Spanish-speaking officials, organized by the World Trade Organization (WTO), concluded in Geneva on July 26, 2024. Participants engaged in workshops, case studies, and roundtable discussions to learn about current trade issues and WTO discussions, enhancing their expertise in applying trade agreements. The course also provided opportunities to interact with Geneva-based WTO member representatives, experts from other international organizations, and representatives from the WTO Secretariat.

Asia's emerging manufacturers urged to prioritize sustainability

Asian countries may face setbacks in their manufacturing ambitions if they fail to produce more sustainably from the outset and decarbonize swiftly. This warning comes as emerging manufacturing powerhouses in Asia look to emulate China's success while grappling with environmental challenges.

Informal Working Group welcomes Gambia launches online policy tool

The formal participation of the Gambia in the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender (IWG) officially commenced on July 1, 2024. "This milestone reflects our commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women," said Kemo Janka of the Gambia's Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment. "We recognize that trade is a powerful engine for growth and development. By integrating gender considerations into our trade policies, we can create a more inclusive and equitable economy," he added.

Slovakia welcomes first F-16 jets amid strengthening ties with US

President Pellegrini, Deputy Prime Minister Kalinak, Deputy Prime Minister Kmec, Minister Blanar, General Zmeko, General Stohler, General Doyle, and other distinguished guests gathered to mark the arrival of Slovakia's first F-16 fighter jets.

Slovakia welcomes first F-16 jets amid military modernization efforts