News from May 2024
Efforts promote coexistence between Panamanian farmers and jaguars
By Globe Banner | May 23, 2024
Panama is recognized for its rich biodiversity, with forests that form a natural corridor connecting jaguar habitats from Mexico to Argentina. However, this environment faces significant challenges, with over 40 percent of jaguar habitat lost due to agricultural expansion and deforestation. Cattle farming has been a primary driver of this loss, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict as jaguars prey on cattle, prompting retaliatory killings by farmers.
World Bank highlights importance of data for diversified growth in Algeria
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
The Spring 2024 Algeria Economic Update underscores the country's dynamic economic activity and slowing inflation while highlighting the importance of data in supporting Algeria’s efforts toward sustainable, diversified growth.
Qatar joins international agreement to curb harmful fisheries subsidies
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
On May 22, 2024, Qatar formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This move was acknowledged by Director-General Okonjo-Iweala, who stated, “I am delighted that Qatar has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. By taking this step, Qatar has shown its support for sustainable fisheries and combatting illegal fishing in the Gulf region. Qatar also has affirmed the WTO's vital role in delivering global public goods — in this case contributing to marine sustainability by curbing subsidies to harmful fishing practices. The swift entry into force of the...
World Bank aids Vanuatu's resilience against natural disasters
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
Over the course of 10 years, the World Bank has supported efforts by the government of Vanuatu to build the skills and institutions needed to manage frequent volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and increasingly severe cyclones. This collaboration with one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries could serve as a model for other small island states facing similar challenges.
Investing in Moldova's forest biodiversity aims at sustainability
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
Biodiversity sustains human life by helping keep air and water clean and providing nutritious food. Every plant and animal, regardless of size, plays a crucial part in ecosystems, the health of which depends on how humans manage biodiversity.
Ambassador Rana praises journalists at awards ceremony amid calls for calm in Slovakia
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
Ambassador Rana addressed attendees at the Journalism Awards, expressing support for Prime Minister Fico and the people of Slovakia during a challenging period.
World Bank emphasizes integrating biodiversity into global economic planning
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
The World Bank Group’s mission is to end poverty on a livable planet. With more than 50 percent of global GDP—$44 trillion in economic resources—dependent on nature, it is critical to understand the economic impact of biodiversity to achieve this mission.
Asia-Pacific officials attend regional trade policy course in Shanghai
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
A regional trade policy course is currently underway in Shanghai, bringing together government officials from the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative aims to deepen participants' understanding of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its agreements, rules, and procedures.
WTO discusses strategies post-MC13 focusing on key trade negotiations
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
Speaking in her role as Chair of the WTO's Trade Negotiations Committee, DG Okonjo-Iweala reported that consultations held with members since the last General Council meeting in March demonstrated a “constructive spirit,” with all parties “eager to complete the unfinished business from Abu Dhabi.”
Binance assists Taiwan authorities with money-laundering scheme
By Globe Banner | May 22, 2024
Binance has announced on its blog that the company's Financial Crimes Compliance (FCC) department collaborated with Taiwan's Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau and the Taipei District Prosecutors Office to dismantle a cryptocurrency-backed money laundering scheme. The case reportedly involves approximately NT $200 million (U.S. $6 million).
Iran International report analyzes Iran's propaganda expenditures
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
The Iranian government has reportedly allocated a minimum of $600 million (360 trillion rials) to its propaganda efforts for the current calendar year, according to a new report by Iran International. If accurate, this figure may represent only a fraction of the total sum.
World Bank pledges support for Bulgaria's data governance efforts
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
The World Bank has announced its intention to provide analytical and advisory support to the Bulgarian Ministry of eGovernment. This assistance aims to bolster the strategic, organizational, and technical foundations for data governance and data spaces in Bulgaria. The move aligns with Bulgaria's efforts to comply with the European Union's (EU) strategy for data, which seeks to increase the availability of data for economic and societal use while ensuring adherence to European rules regarding privacy, data protection, and competition.
Global carbon pricing revenues hit record $104 billion in 2023
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
In 2023, carbon pricing revenues reached a record $104 billion, according to the World Bank’s annual “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024” report released today. The report indicates that there are now 75 carbon pricing instruments in operation worldwide. More than half of the collected revenue was allocated to fund climate and nature-related programs.
WiPro appoints Chief Operating Officer
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
Wipro has announced the appointment of Sanjeev Jain as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), succeeding Amit Choudhary. Jain, who joined the company in 2023, will assume his new role following Choudhary's departure.
1 in 3 Malaysians worry about scams in real-time payments
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
Global analytics software firm FICO has unveiled the results of its latest survey, which underlines the apprehensions of Malaysians concerning real-time payments and the associated risks. The survey points to a growing trend of real-time payment scams, which is causing significant concern among citizens.
WTO members discuss transparency improvements in import licensing regimes
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
Mr. Tharnpanich urged all delegations to utilize the Portal for their notifications relating to the Import Licensing Agreement. He emphasized that all notifications submitted via the Portal are incorporated into a database, enhancing transparency and simplifying the process for future notifications.
Young Antiguan wins global sustainable car design contest
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
Fourteen-year-old Daniel Athill Jona from Antigua and Barbuda was declared the second-place winner in his age group in the 2023 global competition for sustainable car design. His entry was chosen among 780,000 entries from 90 countries, making him the first Caribbean winner in the history of the competition.
World Bank approves $35M loan for Black Sea submarine cable project
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $35 million loan for the first phase of the Enhancing Energy Security through Power Interconnection and Renewable Energy (ESPIRE) Program for Georgia. The ESPIRE Program, with a potential financing envelope of up to $500 million, aims to enhance Georgia’s institutional capacity for submarine cable projects, strengthen its domestic power transmission system, and establish an electricity interconnection between the South Caucasus and Southeast Europe. Additionally, it seeks to reduce internet connection costs and...
Egypt prioritizes education reform to prepare students for future workplaces
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
Education is widely recognized as a powerful catalyst for development, instrumental in reducing poverty and improving health, gender equality, peace, and stability. It is also crucial for preparing children for the future by equipping them with fundamental skills such as reading, which is essential for further learning and productivity later in life.
Nepal and World Bank launch $4.6 million project to combat gender-based violence
By Globe Banner | May 21, 2024
On May 21, 2024, the Government of Nepal and the World Bank jointly launched the Institutionalizing Gender-Based Violence Response in Federal Nepal Project. The Honorable Minister of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Ms. Bhagbati Chaudhary, and World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Mr. Faris Hadad-Zervos were present at the launch.