ILO International Labour Organization [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.ilo.org/global/lang–en/index.htm
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Ready Made Garment Sector
Safety inspections for targeted Bangladesh export-oriented RMG factories complete
09 November 2015
The Government of Bangladesh has completed the inspection phase of its efforts to assess exporting ready-made garment (RMG) factories for structural, fire and electrical safety with emphasis now switching to remediation.
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/pressrelease.aspx
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ICAO Welcomes ITU Frequency Allocation Decision
MONTRÉAL, 13 NOVEMBER 2015 – The Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Dr. Fang Liu, today welcomed the positive outcome on ICAO frequency allocation position for global flight tracking at the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU’s) 15th World Radiocommunication Conference in Geneva (WRC-15).
“Safety is aviation’s number one priority,” stressed Dr. Liu, “and ICAO is therefore very much encouraged by the positive support our global tracking position has received at WRC-15. The allocation of frequencies enabling satellite-based ADS-B provides a very important piece in the global flight tracking solution which ICAO and the aviation community have been working toward, and will now help it to become a practical and cost-effective reality over remote and high seas airspace.”…
IMO International Maritime Organization [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/Home.aspx
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Regional agreement on maritime piracy to broaden scope to other illicit maritime activity
13/11/2015
Djibouti Code of Conduct signatories agree to extend remit as regional training centre opens.
An international agreement that has been instrumental in repressing piracy and armed robbery against ships in the western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden is set to significantly broaden its scope.
Signatories to the Djibouti Code of Conduct have agreed to work towards extending its remit to address other illicit maritime activity that threatens safety and security in the region, such as marine terrorism, environmental crimes, human trafficking and Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
National focal points for the code, which was adopted under the auspices of the IMO in 2009, have adopted a resolution expressing concern at the increasing risks from transnational organized crimes at sea and other threats to maritime safety and security in the region. They agreed to encourage information sharing on all illicit activities at sea…
WMO World Meteorological Organization [to 21 November 2015]
https://www.wmo.int/media/?q=news
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Greenhouse Gas Concentrations Hit Yet Another Record
9 November 2015
Interaction between CO2 and water vapour amplifies warming
Geneva 9 November 2015 (WMO) The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached yet another new record high in 2014, continuing a relentless rise which is fuelling climate change and will make the planet more dangerous and inhospitable for future generations.
The World Meteorological Organization’s Greenhouse Gas Bulletin says that between 1990 and 2014 there was a 36% increase in radiative forcing – the warming effect on our climate – because of long-lived greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from industrial, agricultural and domestic activities….
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.unido.org/en/news-centre/news.html
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Sustainable industrialization for shared prosperity to top agenda of UNIDO General Conference
VIENNA, 10 November 2015 – The sixteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference, taking place from 30 November to 4 December in the Vienna International Centre (VIC) in the Austrian capital, will focus on sustainable…
UNWTO World Tourism Organization [to 21 November 2015]
http://media.unwto.org/news
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UNWTO and Griffith Institute for Tourism launch Global Report on Public-Private Partnerships in tourism
12 November 2015
The UNWTO Global Report, produced in collaboration with the Griffith Institute of Tourism, highlights how Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) among tourism stakeholders drive socio-economic development (Madrid, Spain, 10 November 2015).
Through a wide range of case-studies, the UNWTO Global Report on Public-Private Partnerships: Tourism Development, provides a solid evidence base for the importance of effective PPPs in tourism, illustrating how partnerships across different destinations and market segments can be used as development tools….
ITU International Telecommunications Union [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/index.aspx?lang=en#.VF8FYcl4WF8
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Radio spectrum allocated for global flight tracking
ITU World Radiocommunication Conference enables Earth-to-space reception of ADS-B transmissions
Geneva, 11 November 2015 – Agreement has been reached at the World Radiocommunication Conference in Geneva on the allocation of radiofrequency spectrum for global flight tracking in civil aviation…
…This agreement follows the disappearance and tragic loss of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 in March 2014 with 239 people on board, which spurred worldwide discussions on global flight tracking and the need for coordinated action by ITU and other relevant organizations.
… “In reaching this agreement at WRC-15, ITU has responded in record time to the expectations of the global community on the major issue concerning global flight tracking,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “ITU will continue to make every effort to improve flight tracking for civil aviation.”
“The allocation of frequencies for reception of ADS-B signals from aircraft by space stations will enable real-time tracking of aircraft anywhere in the world,” said François Rancy, Director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. “We will continue to work with ICAO and other international organizations to enhance safety in the skies.”…
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.cbd.int/press-releases/
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Science body of biodiversity convention paves way for further implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
Montreal, 9 November 2015 – Governments at an international biodiversity science meeting have agreed on a set of actions for the further implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.
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The report of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology is now available.
2015-11-10 :: 19 pages
Excerpt
ITEM 4. CONCLUSIONS AND WAYS FORWARD, INCLUDING ELEMENTS TO FACILITATE FUTURE DISCUSSIONS AND ACTIONS ON SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY UNDER THE CONVENTION
66. Reaffirming decision XII/24, in which the Conference of the Parties urged Parties and invited other Governments to take a precautionary approach in accordance with paragraph4 of decision XI/11, and having deliberated on the tasks mandated by the Conference of the Parties, the AHTEG makes the following proposals on the ways forward for future actions on synthetic biology for consideration by the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice in formulating its recommendations to the Conference of the Parties:
.(a) Consider the adoption of the operational definition of synthetic biology: “synthetic biology is a further development and new dimension of modern biotechnology that combines science, technology and engineering to facilitate and accelerate the understanding, design, redesign, manufacture and/or modification of genetic materials, living organisms and biological systems”;
(b) Take note of the conclusion of the AHTEG that living organisms developed through current and near future applications of synthetic biology are similar to LMOs as defined in the Cartagena Protocol;
(c) Establish a process to monitor and assess the state of knowledge within the field of
of synthetic biology vis-à-vis the three objectives of the Convention, and update the proposed operational definition as appropriate;
(d) Urge Parties to address synthetic biology in a coordinated manner within the context of the objectives of the Convention and its Protocols, particularly by tapping into existing processes, such as the AHTEG on Risk Assessment and Risk Management and the AHTEG on Socio-economic Considerations under the Cartagena Protocol;
(e) Coordinate and establish synergies with other United Nations and international organizations, whose mandates are relevant to synthetic biology, such as the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, including its Committee on World Food Security and Codex Alimentarius, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Technology Facilitation Mechanism of the United Nations;
(f) Create or expand existing online platforms to facilitate knowledge and information sharing on risk assessment research, positive and negative impacts of synthetic biology through, among other things, the Biosafety-Clearing House or the clearing-house mechanism;
(g) Promote the use of online tools to facilitate work on synthetic biology in the context of the Convention and its Protocols;
(h) Promote capacity-building and encourage cooperation among Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations;
(i) Invite the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol to set up mechanisms for clarifying the issue of digital genetic resource information as it relates to access and benefit-sharing;
(j) Assess potential gaps in oversight under the Convention and its Protocols with regard to components and products of synthetic biology;
(k) Urge the Convention to promote the full engagement of indigenous peoples and local communities in future activities relating to synthetic biology;
(l) Promote engagement among Parties, other Governments and relevant stakeholders to discuss, among other things, the potential benefits and potential adverse effects of synthetic biology, the development of guidelines, public awareness, communication and education, and ethical considerations…
US Department of State [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/index.htm
Selected Announcements
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11/03/15
Joint Statement Between the United States and France Regarding the Entry into Force of a Bilateral Agreement on the Establishment of a Compensation Fund for Holocaust Victims Deported From France;
Office of the Spokesperson; Washington, DC10/28/15
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11/02/15
To Walk the Earth in Safety: New Report Showcases U.S. Global Leadership in Landmine Clearance and Conventional Weapons Destruction;
The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs has released the 14th Edition of To Walk the Earth in Safety, a report summarizing the accomplishments of the U.S. Conventional Weapons Destruction Program.
USAID [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases
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U.S. Announces $97 Million in Additional Emergency Food Assistance for Ethiopia
November 10, 2015
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced it is providing nearly $97 million in additional food assistance to assist vulnerable populations in Ethiopia, including those severely affected by the impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon.
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U.S. Government Announces $100 Million USAID Program to Build Jordanian Schools
November 8, 2015
Today, the United States announced that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) plans to invest $100 million to build 25 additional new schools in Jordan as part of the Let Girls Learn Initiative.
DFID [to 21 November 2015]
https://www.gov.uk/government/latest?departments%5B%5D=department-for-international-development
Selected Announcements
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President of Ghana backs Energy Africa’s solar revolution
Published 13 November 2015 Press release DFID
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Violence against women and girls: Evidence digest November 2015
Published 11 November 2015 Guidance DFID
Part of a collection: Violence against women and girls guidance notes
ECHO [to 21 November 2015]
http://ec.europa.eu/echo/en/news
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Humanitarian assistance in a changing world: Annual Humanitarian Aid Partners’ Conference
12/11/2015
Every year, the European Commission invites its over 200 humanitarian partners to discuss developments, challenges and opportunities in the humanitarian sector. This year’s conference, taking place in Brussels on 12 and 13 November…
EU deploys civil protection experts to Paraguay following recent fire
11/11/2015
Two technical experts from the United Kingdom and Germany have arrived today to Paraguay for a two-week mission to assist the national authorities in evaluating and managing the impact caused by a fire which took place recently….
Central African Republic: EU releases new humanitarian aid amid ongoing crisis
11/11/2015
The European Commission is releasing €1 million in humanitarian aid to meet the urgent needs for assistance following the outbreak of violence in the Central African Republic started at the end of September.
European Commission supports UNICEF with €2 million to assist refugee children in the Western Balkans
10/11/2015
The European Commission has today unlocked financial support for UNICEF, providing €2 million to assist 170,000 infants, children and mothers with 24/7 operational child-friendly spaces in which families can rest, receive first aid and essentials…
African Union [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.au.int/en/
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]
Nov.11.2015 Africa calls for a fair, equitable and legally binding agreement during the COP 21
Nov.10.2015 Africa-EU Migration Summit in Valletta, Malta
The African Development Bank Group [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]
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Uganda receives endorsement of plan to transform energy through geothermal, solar and wind resources
13/11/2015 – At its governing body meetings this week, the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) endorsed Uganda’s far-reaching Investment Plan (IP) to transform its energy sector by building on its renewables resources including wind, solar and geothermal, and expanding the spread of sustainable energy throughout the country.
Rwanda gets go-ahead to transform its energy sector, builds on multi-program synergies to develop renewables
13/11/2015 – At its governing body meetings this week, the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) endorsed Rwanda’s Investment Plan (IP) to significantly develop much-needed off-grid electricity access for households, productive uses, schools, health centres and institutions throughout the country, particularly in rural areas. The plan, to be implemented with support from the World Bank and with the African Development Bank as a key partner, was awarded an
AfDB launches Development Effectiveness Review on Ethiopia
12/11/2015 – The African Development Bank (AfDB) will launch its Development Effectiveness Review 2015 on Ethiopia on Wednesday, November 18 in Addis Ababa.
The Development Effectiveness Review 2015 for Ethiopia provides a comprehensive report on the Bank’s performance in the country and tracks how the Bank’s operations have contributed to the Ethiopia’s development results. Ethiopia is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, averaging 10% growth over the past decade. Even with high population growth, the country’s per capita income has tripled over the last eight years. This strong economic performance has provided the Ethiopian Government with a platform for pursuing its ambitious national development agenda with the main goal of achieving middle-income country status by 2025.
European Union [to 21 November 2015]
http://europa.eu/rapid/search-result.htm?query=18&locale=en&page=1
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives]
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State of Play: Measures to Address the Refugee Crisis
Date: 13/11/2015
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 13 November 2015 State of Play: Measures to Address the Refugee Crisis Updated on 13 November The European Agenda on Migration adopted by the Commission in May 2015 set out the need for a comprehensive approach to migration management.
President Juncker launches the EU Emergency Trust Fund to tackle root causes of irregular migration in Africa
Date: 12/11/2015
European Commission – Press release Valletta, 12 November 2015 European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker launched today with other EU Member States and other European donors the EU’s Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa.
European Union and Ethiopia sign Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility
Date: 11/11/2015
Commission – Press release European Brussels, 11 November 2015 European Union and Ethiopia sign Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility Today, the EU and Ethiopia have signed a joint Declaration for a Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility (CAMM), reflecting the importance of Ethiopia as a key country of origin,…
Western Balkans Migration Route: European Commission supports UNICEF with an additional €2 million for childcare
Date: 10/11/2015
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 10 November 2015 Western Balkans: EU supports UNICEF for the refugee crisis The European Commission today unlocks additional financial support for UNICEF, providing €2 million to assist 170,000 infants, children and mothers with 24/7 operational child friendly spaces in which families can rest,…
OECD [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.oecd.org/newsroom/publicationsdocuments/bydate/
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]
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Emerging market slowdown and drop in trade clouding global outlook
9-November-2015
A further sharp downturn in emerging market economies and world trade has weakened global growth to around 2.9% this year – well below the long-run average – and is a source of uncertainty for near term prospects, says the OECD.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv2/news/
Selected Press Releases
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OIC Commends the European Union’s Decision to Label Products from Israeli Settlements
The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Iyad Ameen Madani, commended the decision adopted by the European Union to label goods and products made in Israeli settlements that are built on the occupied Palestinian territory. He considered this an important step in line with international resolutions and positions affirming illegality of Israeli settlements…
11/11/2015
IMF [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.imf.org/external/news/default.aspx
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]
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Unlocking the Promise of Islamic Finance, Speech by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund at the Islamic Finance Conference, Kuwait City, Kuwait; November 11, 2015
World Bank [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/all
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]
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Maternal deaths fell 44% since 1990
Report from WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Groupand the United Nations Population Division highlights progress GENEVA/NEW YORK, 12 November 2015 – Maternal mortality has fallen by 44% since 1990,…
Date: November 12, 2015 Type: Press Release
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Philippe Le Houérou Named EVP & CEO of International Finance Corporation
WASHINGTON, November 11, 2015—Philippe Le Houérou, a French national with more than 31 years of experience in international finance, development, public-private partnerships, and policy dialogue, was named…
Date: November 11, 2015 Type: Press Release
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Climate Change Threatens to Deepen Poverty in East Asia Pacific by 2030
WASHINGTON, November 8, 2015 – Climate change is already preventing people from escaping poverty, and without rapid, inclusive and climate-smart development, together with emissions-reductions…
Date: November 8, 2015 Type: Press Release
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Immediate Push on Climate-Smart Development Can Keep More than 100 Million People Out of Poverty
Africa and South Asia most threatened regions WASHINGTON, November 8, 2015 – Climate change is already preventing people from escaping poverty, and without rapid, inclusive and climate-smart development,…
Date: November 8, 2015 Type: Press Release
IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union [to 21 November 2015]
http://www.ipu.org/english/news.htm
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Registration of new Egyptian MPs marks new step on democracy roadmap
12 NOVEMBER 2015
More than 250 parliamentarians elected in October in the first phase of a two-stage election, have so far undergone a formal process of registration and welcome by Egypt’s parliamentary secretariat, giving them key practical information about the institution. The process has been led by parliamentary administrative authorities, in line with guidance from IPU teams during several consultations over the past two years. The same process will be used to register and welcome MPs elected in the second stage of voting. This is due to take place in the coming weeks. IPU has been working alongside the parliament to ensure that MPs are fully equipped for their role as the country continues on its roadmap to democracy.
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IPU Secretary General becomes a gender champion
11 NOVEMBER 2015
IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong has become a gender champion by pledging support for a new initiative on gender equality, building on the Organization’s ground-breaking record in the field. The initiative – International Geneva Gender Champions – invites organizations to specify practical steps they will take to break down gender barriers, and sign a “Gender Parity Pledge” that commits them to work for equality in all Geneva-based discussions.
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MPs to push for action on critical climate change threat
10 NOVEMBER 2015
MPs from around the world will meet in Paris in December to galvanize action on the global threat posed by climate change, and influence the major UN summit being held simultaneously in the city. The MPs will urge world leaders at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 11th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, commonly known as the COP21/CMP11 summit, to agree specific means by which their pledges will be turned into reality. They will stress the urgency with which the climate change threat must be addressed and the vital role of parliaments in delivering change.
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Share your views on parliamentary oversight
9 NOVEMBER 2015
IPU and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have issued a call for written input to the second Global Parliamentary Report, which will focus on the power of parliaments to hold governments to account. All parliaments, organizations and individuals with an interest in parliamentary oversight are invited to share their views in writing, to help to shape the content and direction of the report. Submissions can focus on good practices, challenges and proposals for how to improve parliamentary oversight and government accountability. More than 300 parliamentarians have already taken party in surveys and interviews for the report, and a series of thematic debates is underway. Written input can be made in English, French, Spanish or Arabic. Submissions should be no more than 1,500 words in length and should state clearly who the submission is from. The deadline is 30 November 2015.
GE2P2 Global :: Knowledge Sharing; Ideas; Operations 