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CBD-TRIPs Discussion Picking up Speed at the WTO
CBD-TRIPs Discussion Picking up Speed at the WTO Meeting on 4-5 June and again briefly on 6 June, the WTO Council for Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) received a number of proposals related to biodiversity and traditional knowledge. Momentum is again building on discussions at the WTO on these issues, which developing countries are hoping to address…
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Agriculture Update: Special Safeguard Mechanism Discussed, Cap Reform Hits Hurdles
Agriculture Update: Special Safeguard Mechanism Discussed, Cap Reform Hits Hurdles On 27 May, Members of the WTO Committee on Agriculture (CoA) met for technical consultations on a possible new special safeguard mechanism for developing countries. Reportedly, discussions were comprehensive, but only little progress was made on the form and scope of such a new instrument. Interestingly,…
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UNFF: Numerous Decisions but Uncertain Future
UNFF: Numerous Decisions but Uncertain Future Delegates convened in Geneva, Switzerland from the 26 May to 6 June to attend the third meeting of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF-3). After two-weeks of discussions participants agreed on Terms of References for three ad hoc working groups on approaches on monitoring, assessing and reporting; financing and transfer…
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UN Consultative Process on Oceans Extended; Reports Document Pressure on Marine Resources
UN Consultative Process on Oeans Extended; Reports Document Pressure on Marine Resources From 2-6 June delegates representing governments, intergovernmental organisations and non-governmental organisations gathered in New York for the UN open-ended informal consultative process on oceans and the law of the sea. The meeting was used to exchange views and perspectives on areas of concern, to identify…
- In Brief
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Mexico Action Summit Calls for Action on Poverty, Agriculture and Biodiversity
A “Mexico Action Summit” was held in Mexico City from 2-3 June, to coincide with the G-8 meeting in Evian, France. It was organised by the International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council and the Monterrey Bridge Coalition — a collaborate initiative among organisations challenging states to implement their promises from…
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World Environment Day Focuses on Water
The main international celebration of the World Environment Day 2003 was held on 5 June in Beirut. This was the first time the annual event took place in the Arab World, and according to a spokesperson for the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the celebration held “special significance by being in the…
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New Biotrade Project Launched in Bolivia
A National Sustainable Biotrade Programme (PNBS) was launched in Bolivia on 11 June with the aim of helping to reduce poverty and fostering sustainable development. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Biotrade Initiative — which seeks to enhance the ability of developing countries to produce value-added products and…
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In Brief
In Brief MEXICO ACTION SUMMIT CALLS FOR ACTION ON POVERTY, AGRICULTURE AND BIODIVERSITY A "Mexico Action Summit" was held in Mexico City from 2-3 June, to coincide with the G-8 meeting in Evian, France. It was organised by the International Food and Agricultural Trade Policy Council and the Monterrey Bridge Coalition — a collaborate initiative…
- Events
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Events
For a more comprehensive list of events in trade and sustainable development, please refer to ICTSD’s web calendar. Please bear in mind that dates and times of WTO meetings are often changed, and that the WTO does not always announce the important informal meetings of the different bodies. Coming up in the next two weeks 14-19 June,…
- Resources
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Resources
KEEPING SCIENCE OPEN: THE EFFECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY ON THE CONDUCT OF SCIENCE. (Royal Society UK, April 2003) This report considers whether progress in science has been affected by the interpretation and use of intellectual property policies, and makes recommendations for improvement. STATUS OF THE RIGHTS OF FARMERS AND PLANT BREEDERS IN ASIA. By Ujjwal…