International

MC14 Concludes with Adopted Decisions and Progress on Key Issues

The WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) concluded with ministers adopting several decisions and committing to continue work on outstanding issues in Geneva. Key outcomes include progress on fisheries subsidies, integration of small economies, and special and differential treatment provisions.

Council of Europe urges Israel to abandon death penalty expansion plans

The Council of Europe's Secretary General Alain Berset has urged Israel to abandon legislative proposals that would expand the death penalty. This action follows similar expressions of concern from the Council of Europe's Ministers' Deputies and PACE General Rapporteur on the abolition of the death penalty.

WTO Members Adopt Pathway for E-Commerce Agreement via Interim Arrangements

Sixty-six WTO members, representing approximately 70% of global trade, have adopted interim arrangements to bring the WTO Agreement on Electronic Commerce into force. This agreement aims to establish baseline global digital trade rules, with an estimated trade impact of $159 billion annually.

Africa, Latin America Strengthen Trade Relations at MC14 Side Event

The WTO hosted a side event at MC14 where African and Latin American nations discussed strengthening economic and trade relations. Participants proposed regular summits to enhance cooperation and explore increased South-South trade, particularly in digital trade and transport links.

Ministers Discuss WTO Topics and Plan Post-MC14 Work

Ministers and senior officials at the WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) met to discuss key agenda items including fisheries subsidies, investment facilitation, e-commerce, agriculture, and development. Discussions also covered dispute settlement reform, with members supporting a post-MC14 resumption of work when appropriate.

DG cites MPIA as bridge pending dispute reform deal

The WTO Director-General highlighted the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) as a functional bridge for dispute settlement while reform is pending. As of March 28, 2026, 61 WTO members, including recent joiners Barbados, Liechtenstein, and Moldova, participate in the MPIA, which has successfully resolved two appeals.

WHO Member States Extend Pandemic Agreement PABS Annex Talks

WHO Member States have agreed to extend negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) annex to the WHO Pandemic Agreement. Discussions will resume in late April and early May 2026, ahead of consideration by the World Health Assembly.

FSB Chair's Foreword to 2025 Annual Report

The FSB Chair's foreword to the 2025 Annual Report reflects on a year of significant global shifts and financial sector evolution. It highlights the FSB's continued work on nonbank financial intermediation, crypto-assets, and AI, while noting a slowdown in the implementation of G20 reforms.

FSB Payments Summit keynote speech on cross-border payments reform

The FSB Chair delivered a keynote speech at the FSB Payments Summit, highlighting progress and remaining challenges in reforming cross-border payments. The speech emphasized the need for continued collaboration between public authorities and the private sector to achieve G20 goals and improve the speed, cost, and efficiency of international payment systems.

UN Security Council Adds Individual to ISIL/Al-Qaida Sanctions List

The UN Security Council Committee concerning ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida has added one individual, ABD EL HAMID SALIM IBRAHIM BRUKAN AL-KHATOUNI (QDi.438), to its sanctions list. This action imposes an assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo on the individual, who served as a senior leader and financial management officer for ISIL.