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News from 2024


Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield discusses U.S. commitment at Tokyo press event

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

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, held a meeting with Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.



Training highlights link between trade policies and gender equality

The recent training course aimed at enhancing skills and sharing experiences among officials focused on the interplay between trade and gender equality. Participants gained insights into how trade impacts men and women differently, as well as how gender-responsive trade policies can promote women's economic growth and poverty reduction.


NCUA Board Approves Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Records Retention

The National Credit Union Administration Board recently convened for its third open meeting of 2024 and unanimously passed an advance notice of proposed rulemaking focused on enhancing the agency's records preservation program regulations. Chairman Todd M. Harper emphasized the importance of credit unions maintaining robust records preservation programs, stating, "Maintaining vital records is central to a credit union’s ability to properly serve its members and to the NCUA’s ability to fulfill its supervisory, enforcement, and liquidation functions."Part 749 of the NCUA's...


U.S., Japan urge action on North Korean abductions

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, recently held a meeting with families of Japanese citizens who were abducted by North Korea.


WTO-FIFA initiative aims to boost African cotton industries

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) have taken significant steps to advance the "Partenariat pour le Coton," an initiative unveiled on February 25 by WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This initiative is designed to enhance the partnership between the two organizations and support African countries in participating more fully in cotton value chains. The launch follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the WTO and FIFA in 2022.



US emphasizes negotiation path for Palestinian statehood at UN

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution as the pathway to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.




Why India Could Soon Dethrone China as World’s Top Consumer Market

India's rapid growth in consumerism is positioning it to potentially surpass China as the world's top consumer market. According to a recent analysis, "The speed of India’s rise in consumerism is outpacing China’s as the gap between the two countries’ markets continues to narrow."To retain its position as the leading consumer market globally, China is advised to adapt its strategies. The need to broaden its focus to include rural areas and cater to often-overlooked consumer bases is emphasized, as stated, "If it wants to maintain its lead as the world’s top market, China...


U.S.-Malta collaboration empowers women entrepreneurs through academy graduation

During a reception on April 17, Deputy Chief of Mission Ken Toko and Chris Vassallo Cesareo, President of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise, and Industry, honored graduates from the U.S. Department of State's Academy for Women...


WTO explores digital solutions for enhancing global trade efficiency

WTO members recently convened to discuss how digitalization can be leveraged to facilitate trade. The meeting focused on three main areas: using data and technology to simplify trade, promoting the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) through digital advancements, and the digitalization of border procedures. Ten delegations, including China, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Japan, Pakistan, Peru, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Togo shared their experiences.


Letta Report: A significant call for a reboot of the EU Single Market

BusinessEurope welcomes today’s publication of Enrico Letta’s report on the future of the EU Single Market, with Director General Markus J. Beyrer commenting that "We very much agree with the key message of the Letta report: it is time to reboot the EU Single Market for today’s “large world”. This should be driven by the fundamentals of the four freedoms of the Single Market, keeping a strong focus on free trade and openness."Mr Letta rightly draws attention to the worrying trend of companies and investment leaving the European Union due to an overly complex and...


Committee finalizes recommendations for food security program targeting vulnerable countries

The Committee has successfully implemented the instructions from ministers at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) by adopting recommendations to address food security needs for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Net Food-Importing Developing Countries (NFIDCs). The Chair emphasized that this marks a significant achievement.



Iran-Israel conflict escalates with missile attacks and maritime seizure

The recent attack by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its militant partners on Israel has drawn strong condemnation.



U.S. reaffirms support for Indigenous rights at UN forum

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples during a statement submitted for the 24th session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.