News from October 2024
IMF reaches agreement with Armenia on fourth review under Stand-By Arrangement
By Globe Banner | Oct 21, 2024
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Iva Petrova, conducted discussions in Yerevan from September 18 to October 1, 2024, followed by virtual meetings regarding the fourth review under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with Armenia. Ms. Petrova announced that a staff-level agreement has been reached with Armenian authorities on policies for completing this review.
Global North's role in addressing climate risk in developing nations
By Globe Banner | Oct 21, 2024
As the impacts of anthropogenic climate change continue to escalate, developing countries face heightened risks from extreme weather events.
Crecer Sano Project tackles malnutrition among Guatemala's indigenous communities
By Globe Banner | Oct 21, 2024
Guatemala faces significant challenges with chronic malnutrition, particularly in its indigenous communities. Nearly half of the country's children under five suffer from stunting, a condition exacerbated by poverty and limited access to healthcare. In response, the Crecer Sano Project was initiated in 2017 to address these issues, focusing on the first 1,000 days of life.
Yuanta's initiative brings joy to children with immersive tech experience
By Globe Banner | Oct 21, 2024
Yuanta Financial Holding Company and the Yuanta Cultural and Educational Foundation organized the "Yuanta Happiness Day" event on October 19, 2024.
Preqin announces growth and optimism in India's infrastructure sector
By D. D. Diggs | Oct 18, 2024
Preqin has announced that India's infrastructure sector is experiencing notable growth and investment, driven by increasing development demands and enhanced participation from private capital. Global investors maintain a positive outlook on the sector's future.
Chainalysis report analyzes global trends in crypto adoption
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
Chainalysis, a prominent blockchain analytics firm, has released a report examining global cryptocurrency adoption trends. The report highlights the factors driving growth and the evolving regulatory landscape in key regions. Chainalysis published the report on October 17.
Pakistani Federal Law Minister: Fmr. Prime Minister’s criminal convictions disqualify him from Oxford chancellorship and ‘Pakistan’s highest office’
By Globe Banner News Service | Oct 18, 2024
Pakistan's federal law minister said that the criminal convictions that recently disqualified former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Kahn from the Chancellorship of Oxford University also make Kahn unfit ‘to govern an entire nation.’
DDG Ellard stresses WTO's role amid geopolitical tensions
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
In a recent address, DDG Ellard emphasized the critical role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in fostering global cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions. She highlighted the WTO's unique platform that allows all its members, regardless of size or development status, to have an equal voice in shaping global trade rules.
Suriname joins World Bank's International Development Association as 175th member
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
Suriname has officially joined the World Bank Group's International Development Association (IDA), becoming its 175th member. This development marks a notable step in Suriname's ongoing efforts to enhance its economic and environmental resilience.
IMF completes first review under extended credit facility for Ethiopia
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has completed the first review of Ethiopia's 48-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. This decision enables an immediate disbursement of approximately US$340.7 million, aiding Ethiopia in meeting its balance of payments needs. With this development, total disbursements under the arrangement have reached about US$1.363 billion.
WTO supports trade-focused events at COP29 in Baku
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat will actively support trade-focused events at the upcoming COP29 conference in Baku. The Director-General is scheduled to participate in the World Leaders Climate Action Summit on November 12-13, along with several high-level events at the COP29 Trade and Investment House and other venues. During the conference, the Secretariat, along with its partners, plans to launch several publications.
Uber's latest initiatives aim to elevate driver respect and earnings transparency
By D. D. Diggs | Oct 18, 2024
Uber has announced a series of new features aimed at enhancing the experience for its 7 million monthly drivers and couriers. These updates focus on improving safety, fairness, and user-friendliness.
IMF completes fifth review of Ukraine's extended fund facility
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has completed the fifth review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Ukraine, allowing the nation to access US$1.1 billion for budget support. This brings total disbursements under the program to US$8.7 billion. The 48-month EFF arrangement, which was approved on March 31, 2023, provides Ukraine with SDR 11.6 billion, equivalent to US$15.5 billion or about 577 percent of its quota.
Kingston waterfront redevelopment aims to enhance economy and community well-being
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The World Bank and the Government of Jamaica have entered into a $12 million investment agreement aimed at revitalizing the Kingston waterfront. This initiative is expected to boost economic opportunities, improve quality of life, and attract private investments in Jamaica's capital.
World Bank plans extensive program at COP16 focusing on biodiversity
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The World Bank has organized a series of events at the COP16 conference on biodiversity, scheduled to take place in Cali, Colombia from October 21 to November 1, 2024. The events will occur primarily in the Blue Zone and will follow Colombia time (COT - UTC/GMT -5 hours).
Pandemic Fund allocates $418M for global pandemic preparedness
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The Pandemic Fund has approved $418 million in new grants to enhance pandemic preparedness in 40 countries across six regions. This marks the second round of funding, following a previous allocation of $128.89 million for five fast-tracked projects supporting ten countries affected by the mpox Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The total funding under this round amounts to $547 million, aiming to mobilize an additional $4 billion for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPR) investments.
WTO emphasizes youth role in promoting 'Trade for Peace' during Geneva event
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently hosted an event focusing on the role of youth in promoting "Trade for Peace" in fragile states. Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang emphasized the importance of young people in decision-making processes, stating, “The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today.” He highlighted the WTO's Trade for Peace (T4P) Programme’s Future Leaders Initiative, which aims to empower youth as active agents of stability and prosperity.
World Bank approves $63M for post-hurricane recovery in St. Vincent & Grenadines
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The World Bank has approved $63 million in financing to support recovery efforts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines after Hurricane Beryl caused widespread destruction in July 2024. The funding, provided by the International Development Association, aims to aid communities affected by the hurricane, which was the most powerful storm to hit the region since 1875.
IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Honduras after economic policy review
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Ricardo Llaudes, visited Tegucigalpa, Honduras, from October 7 to 18, 2024. This visit was part of ongoing discussions that have been both in-person and virtual over recent months. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Llaudes issued a statement outlining the outcomes of their discussions.
World Bank boosts renewable energy projects in Haiti with $20 million grant
By Globe Banner | Oct 18, 2024
The World Bank has approved an additional $20 million in financing for the "Haiti: Renewable Energy for All Project." This funding, provided by the International Development Association, is intended to enhance renewable energy investments and improve electricity access across Haiti. The current state of Haiti's electricity sector presents a significant barrier to economic growth and effective emergency responses, with only 47.1 percent of the population having access to electricity as of 2021.