International

China Pledges USD 1.1 Million for WTO Accession Support and LDCs

China has pledged USD 1.1 million in 2026 to support the WTO's Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) and Accessions Programme, as well as the general fund for WTO technical assistance. The contributions were confirmed through two memoranda of understanding signed on March 25th.

Plastics Dialogue coordinators issue MC14 ministerial statement and technical package

WTO Plastics Dialogue coordinators presented a ministerial statement and a package of five technical documents at MC14. These documents reflect progress in addressing plastics pollution and outline a roadmap for trade-related cooperation, with 83 co-sponsors representing nearly 90% of global plastics trade.

14th WTO Ministerial Conference Opens Amidst Global Crisis

The WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) has opened in Yaoundé, Cameroon, with calls to reinvigorate the organization amidst global trade disruptions. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed hope that ministers would find political will to address challenges and advance key agenda items, including the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement.

Parliamentarians and business call for WTO reform at MC14

At the opening of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC14), parliamentarians and business leaders presented documents calling for urgent reform of the multilateral trading system. Key calls include restoring the dispute settlement system, advancing digital trade, and renewing the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions.

WHO Accredited by Green Climate Fund for Climate and Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), enabling access to new funding for climate and health initiatives. This accreditation will support projects aimed at protecting communities from the health impacts of climate change, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

WHO Report: 60+ Countries Include Refugees in Health Policies

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report indicating that over 60 countries now include refugees and migrants in their national health policies. The report, based on data from 93 Member States, establishes a baseline for inclusive health systems but highlights remaining gaps in data collection, emergency preparedness, and culturally responsive care.

APR K-Beauty Brand Uses WIPO Madrid System for Global Brand Protection

WIPO highlights how K-Beauty brand APR is utilizing the WIPO Madrid System to protect and manage its trademarks globally. The article showcases the benefits of the international trademark system for brand expansion.

WIPO Trademark Holders Survey on Certificate Issuance

WIPO is conducting a survey to gather input from international trademark registration holders and representatives regarding the potential requirement for designated Madrid System members to issue national or regional certificates upon granting protection or renewal. The survey aims to understand user needs and inform discussions on improving the Madrid System's legal framework.

AI and Cybersecurity Standards for Trust and Risk Reduction

IEEE Standards News reports on the evolving landscape of AI certification and cybersecurity requirements, highlighting a global shift towards mandatory compliance and the adaptation of security standards to address AI-related risks. The article discusses emerging trends in AI compliance, cybersecurity standards incorporating AI risks, and the development of quantum-safe and privacy-focused AI certifications.

Brazil Court Limits Identifiable Data Sharing Without Consent

Brazil's Superior Court of Justice has ruled that identifiable registration data, such as names and estimated income, cannot be shared with third parties by credit bureaus without explicit consent. This decision clarifies the interpretation of Brazil's General Data Protection Law (LGPD) in the credit market, distinguishing between internal credit risk analysis and external data sharing.