News published on Globe Banner in June 2024

News from June 2024


Senegal's economic resilience highlighted amid political tensions

DAKAR, June 12, 2024 - According to the World Bank’s 2024 Economic Update for Senegal, economic growth in the country remained resilient in 2023 despite political tensions and persistent, albeit declining, inflation.


Blinken urges urgent action at humanitarian conference on Gaza

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken addressed the "Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza" conference, expressing gratitude to King Abdullah, President El-Sisi, and Secretary-General Guterres for organizing the event.


Blinken discusses Gaza ceasefire with Jordan's King Abdullah II

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Dead Sea, as reported by Spokesperson Matthew Miller.


Deadline for proposals for 2024 Public Forum extended to June 21

The deadline for submitting proposals for the 2024 Public Forum has been extended to June 21, 2024. All sessions at the Public Forum are organized by civil society, academia, business, governments, parliamentarians, and intergovernmental organizations.


Evaluation praises work of Standards Trade Development Facility

The evaluation, conducted by Project Economics Consulting, states: “Stakeholders, overall, are highly satisfied with the progress and performance of the STDF.” The initiative is contributing to increased SPS capacity across developing countries and its work largely aligns with its partners and other major SPS and safe trade initiatives, the evaluation highlights.


Committee discusses aligning Harmonized System with environmental goals

The Committee on Market Access convened its first thematic session on greening the Harmonized System (HS) on June 11, 2024. The session built upon the World Customs Organization (WCO) report published in April 2023, which summarized outcomes from a series of symposia held between October 2022 and January 2023. These events aimed to identify potential changes to the HS to better support environmental policy needs in future editions, with participation from WCO members and various stakeholders.


World Bank approves $150 million to enhance Benin's agri-food value chains

The World Bank has approved $150 million in International Development Association (IDA) additional financing to assist Benin in enhancing food security, productivity, and resilience in the country's northern regions.


U.S. pledges $404 million more in aid for Palestinian civilians

The United States has announced an additional $404 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, and surrounding areas.


Former U.S. federal agents ask State Department to intervene in "inhumane" captivity of U.S. citizen in Nigeria

One hundred and eight former U.S. federal agents and prosecutors have called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the U.S. State Department to secure the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee and former U.S. government agent, who is being held on "false charges" by the Nigerian government. The group shared its statement in a June 6 letter addressed to Blinken.


U.S. lawmakers ask Biden to assist former federal agent held 'hostage' in Nigeria

Sixteen members of Congress have called on President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens to intervene in the case of Tigran Gambaryan, a Binance employee and former U.S. federal agent currently detained in Nigeria. The lawmakers issued their statement in a June 4 letter posted on X by Eleanor Terrett.


Women entrepreneurs pitch ideas at first AWE event in Turkmenistan

Participants in the inaugural Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program in Turkmenistan presented their business ideas to a panel of experts in Ashgabat on June 8.


European businesses urge new MEPs to prioritize competitiveness

BusinessEurope and the European business community have extended their congratulations to the newly elected Members of the European Parliament, acknowledging a strong voter turnout that underscores citizens' engagement with Europe.


USAID hosts Central Eurasian Venture Forum focusing on tech leadership

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), MOST Holding, and Investbanq are co-hosting the Central Eurasian Venture Forum (CEVF) in Almaty, Kazakhstan.


World Bank official urges bold reforms for sustainable growth in Western Balkans

Massimiliano Paolucci, the World Bank Country Manager for Kosovo and North Macedonia, delivered remarks at The Economist Impact Western Balkans Summit 2024 during the panel session titled “Advancing Sustainability: Infrastructure, Energy Solutions, and Financing Opportunities.”


Binance's user base surges to 200M

Binance’s user base has soared to 200 million. The company views its growth both as an achievement for the Binance community and the blockchain industry.



DDG Ellard addresses retirees' contributions and updates on WTO developments

DDG Ellard expressed gratitude to retirees for their contributions during a General Assembly meeting at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Addressing both online and in-person participants, she stated, "I want to thank you because everything that you did at the WTO over the years has been the foundation for the work that we do now."


Chinese American Service League CEO on The Sue Ling Gin Foundation: 'Their philanthropic support has given our organization the resources needed to provide critical services, from childcare to in-home senior care'

A plethora of charitable and community endeavors might never have reached their full potential if not for a half-frozen sweet roll served as breakfast onboard a Midway Airlines flight in 1983.


Cabo Verde's economic update highlights potential of blue economy amid recovery

Cabo Verde's economy is recovering from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the crisis has underscored the country's inherent weaknesses, including heavy dependence on tourism, lack of buffers for economic shocks, and risks in the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) sector. Climate change impacts exacerbate these vulnerabilities.


World Bank urges Cabo Verde investment in blue economy for sustainable growth

Cabo Verde has demonstrated resilience in its post-COVID-19 recovery, yet the crisis underscored vulnerabilities, including reliance on tourism and risks from underperforming State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Climate change is intensifying these weaknesses.