News from 2024
Deadline for proposals for 2024 Public Forum extended to June 21
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 12, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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.
WTO emphasizes importance of unified approach for steel decarbonization
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
Thank you, Edwin, for the kind words of welcome.
DDG Ellard addresses retirees' contributions and updates on WTO developments
By Globe Banner | Jun 11, 2024
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'
By Donna Rolando | Jun 11, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 10, 2024
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
By Globe Banner | Jun 10, 2024
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.
Kyrgyzstan hosts forum spotlighting clean energy investments
By Globe Banner | Jun 10, 2024
VIENNA, June 10, 2024—The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, with support from the World Bank Group and co-hosted by the Government of Austria, convened high-level delegations from Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, international financial institutions, and private investors to discuss the future of energy in Central Asia at the Kyrgyz Republic International Energy Investment Forum in Vienna.
U.S. Embassy announces funding opportunity for projects countering irregular migration in Ecuador
By Globe Banner | Jun 10, 2024
The U.S. Department of State, through its Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador's Public Diplomacy Section, has announced a funding opportunity aimed at countering irregular migration in Ecuador.
Webinar explores how digital tech can revolutionize global customs operations
By Globe Banner | Jun 10, 2024
A recent webinar highlighted the increasing adoption of technologies such as electronic data interchange, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics by customs authorities. Suja Rishikesh Mavroidis, Director of the WTO's Market Access Division, moderated the event and stressed the importance of understanding the practical applications of these technologies to assess their effectiveness.