In Brief
SUPACHAI: DOHA ROUND PROSPECTS DIM IN SHADOW OF WAR
As the world’s attention focussed on the impeding war against Iraq, WTO Director-General Supachai Panitchpakdi gave a speech at the Geneva Graduate Institute for International Studies, warning of the negative repercussions in the area of trade that a weakening of multilateralism may bring forth. At the 17 March event, he warned that the war would further harm the already stalling talks. WTO Members would have to "redouble their efforts" after the outbreak of a war to "heal the wounds" and get the trade talks back on track, he said. Other observers have cautioned that the rift on the Iraq war could translate to the trade front. The US and EU are already far apart on issues such as agriculture and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Supachai also expressed concern that the war would refocus Members’ attention on military affairs and away from important trade negotiating deadlines.
"WTO Chief Cites Fears of Impact Of War With Iraq on Global Trade Talks," WTO REPORTER, 18 March 2003; "U.S. policy could threaten international trade, aides warn," NEW YORK TIMES, 15 March 2003.
WORLD FORUM SEEKS SOLUTIONS ON GLOBAL WATER ISSUES IN JAPAN
Ten thousand government officials, representatives of civil society and intergovernmental organisations, industry and water experts have gathered in Kyoto, Shiga and Osaka to attend the third World Water Forum, running from 16 to 23 March. Participants will not debate water issues as such but instead aim to make concrete commitments and recommendations for future action based on experiences and actions taken. Participants will convene in 337 sessions and discuss 18 different topics including good governance, effective management of water resources through increased capacity building efforts, new financing models, targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children and the poor as well as natural disasters such as floods and droughts. The World Water Forum this year coincides with the UN International Year of Freshwater as well as the World Water Day on March 22. Currently delegates are working on a draft Ministerial Declaration, which is to be concluded on Saturday when the Ministerial Conference begins.
For daily coverage see IISD reporting Services.
"World Water Forum Views Water as a Life and Death Issue," ENS, 17 March 2003.