ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.asean.org/news
[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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April 8th, 2016
ASEAN launches center of military medicine
BANGKOK, 8 April 2016 – The ASEAN Center of Military Medicine (ACMM) was officially launched in Bangkok, Thailand yesterday to drive regional efforts in pursuing cooperation in the area of military medicine. The Center would also develop joint medical response plans, assess medical needs in crisis situation, as well as conduct training courses and researches in emergency medical services…

…As military medicine is a crucial area during disasters, Secretary-General Minh also mentioned that, with a specific niche on military medical collaboration, the ACMM will add value to the overall humanitarian assistance and disaster relief framework of the region. The ACMM would also complement the work of the ASEAN Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Assistance in improving the region’s response and coordination mechanisms…
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ASEAN endorses action plans for financial integration 2025
VIENTIANE, 6 April 2016 – The Second ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (2nd AFMGM), the Twentieth ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Meeting, and the Twelfth ASEAN Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (12th ACGM) were held on 4 April in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The 2nd AFMGM reviewed the progress of regional initiatives on financial integration and financial cooperation, and endorsed the Strategic Action Plans for ASEAN financial integration 2025. The ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors are committed to implementing the action plans to promote financial integration, financial inclusion and financial stability in the region, in support of ASEAN macroeconomic stability and growth. The meeting endorsed the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum Action Plan 2016-2020 and the establishment of the ASEAN Insurance Forum, the Working Committee on Financial Inclusion, and the Working Committee on ASEAN Banking Integration Framework. Meanwhile, the finance ministers meeting endorsed the six broad strategies of taxation action plans…

European Union [to 16 April 2016]
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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Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides following the earthquakes in Japan
Date: 16/04/2016 European Commission – Statement
Brussels, 16 April 2016 We express our condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones, following the earthquakes that have struck Japan. The European Union stands in full solidarity with the Japanese people and authorities.
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Europe-wide campaign launched to promote sustainable work and healthy ageing for all
Date: 15/04/2016 European Commission – Press release
Brussels, 15 April 2016 Europe-wide campaign launched to promote sustainable work and healthy ageing for all Today in Brussels, the European Commission and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) in cooperation with the Netherlands EU Presidency launched a two-year Europe-wide campaign…
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Speech by President Jean-Claude Juncker at the 2016 Spring Meetings of the IMF, World Bank flagship event on ‘Forced Displacement: A Global Development Challenge’
Date: 15/04/2016 European Commission – Speech –
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Relocation and Resettlement: EU Member States urgently need to deliver
Date: 12/04/2016
European Commission – Press release
Strasbourg, 12 April 2016
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EU boosts aid to Ethiopia amid worsening drought
Date: 08/04/2016
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 8 April 2016 The European Commission announces €122.5 million to help Ethiopia deal with a deteriorating humanitarian situation caused by the El Niño extreme weather phenomenon.
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Commission presents options for reforming the Common European Asylum System and developing safe and legal pathways to Europe
Date: 06/04/2016
European – Press release Commission Brussels, 6 April 2016 Commission presents options for reforming the Common European Asylum System and developing safe and legal pathways to Europe Today the European Commission is launching the process for a reform of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), presenting: options for a fair…
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EU to support over 2,300,000 children in 42 countries with education in emergency situations
Date: 05/04/2016
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 5 April 2016 EU quadruples its humanitarian financing to education in emergencies worldwide. Today the European Commission has announced a €52 million humanitarian aid package aimed specifically at educational projects for children in emergency situations in 2016.
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EU to announce €100 million development package for Sudan to address root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement
Date: 05/04/2016
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 5 April 2016 During a visit to Sudan today, Commissioner Mimica will discuss increased EU cooperation with Sudan on issues of common interest. He will also announce a €100 million Special Measure for the country, to be implemented under the EU Emergency Trust Fund…
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Implementing the EU-Turkey Agreement – Questions and Answers
Date: 04/04/2016
European Commission – Fact Sheet Brussels, 4 April 2016 Implementing the EU-Turkey Agreement – Questions and Answers On 18 March 2016, EU Heads of State or Government and Turkey agreed to end the irregular migration from Turkey to the EU and replace it instead with legal channels of resettlement of…

OECD [to 16 April 2016]
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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14-April-2016
Concrete actions needed to advance global tax transparency, OECD says
The international community should call time on all remaining holdouts who have yet to implement internationally agreed tax transparency standards, OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría said in a new report to the G20.
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13-April-2016
Tax administrations meet on “Panama Papers”
A special project meeting of the Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration (JITSIC) Network took place at the OECD in Paris on Wednesday 13 April, bringing together senior tax administration officials from countries worldwide to discuss opportunities for obtaining data, co-operation and information-sharing in light of the “Panama Papers” revelations.
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12-April-2016
Development aid rises again in 2015, spending on refugees doubles
Development aid totalled USD 131.6 billion in 2015, representing a rise of 6.9% from 2014 in real terms as aid spent on refugees in host countries more than doubled in real terms to USD 12 billion. Stripping out funds spent on refugees, aid was still up 1.7% in real terms, according to official data collected by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC).
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4-April-2016
Statement from OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría on the “Panama Papers”
The “Panama Papers” revelations have shone the light on Panama’s culture and practice of secrecy. Panama is the last major holdout that continues to allow funds to be hidden offshore from tax and law enforcement authorities.

Organization of American States (OAS) [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.oas.org/en/media_center/press_releases.asp

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April 15, 2016
Statement by OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro after meeting with the Constitutional President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff
Today in Brasilia I discussed with President Dilma Rousseff the current situation in the country, some regional issues and the role played by the Organization of American States.

In addition, President Rousseff referred to the political situation in Brazil and the impeachment process she may have to face.
Our Organization has made a detailed analysis of the impeachment process against Dilma, and has concluded that it does not fit within the rules that govern this process.

There is no criminal accusation against the President; rather she has been accused of the poor administration of public resources in 2014. This is an accusation that is political in character, and that does not merit an impeachment process…

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April 11, 2016
Peru: OAS Observation Mission Recommends Deep Electoral Reform
The Electoral Observation Mission of the Organization of American States (EOM/OAS) to the general elections in Peru today presented its preliminary technical report on Sunday’s election, in which it recommends a deep electoral reform, including the system of disqualification of candidates.

In the report, the Mission makes a detailed analysis of the system of disqualifications. As was observed in the regional and municipal elections of 2014, the EOM notes that the current system does not provide guarantees because it transmits legal and political insecurity to the citizenry, and at times can put at risk the political rights of voters and candidates.

The report contains observations and recommendations with the aim of highlighting progress and identifying opportunities for improvement in the Peruvian electoral processes. The day of the election, the Mission deployed 79 international observers, who visited 463 voting centers in the various departments of the country. Moreover, two observers witnessed the voting in Virginia and Washington, DC in the United States.

The OAS Mission reiterates its condemnation of the attacks that left 10 people dead in Junín the day before the election…
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Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv3/news/?lan=en
[Selected Press Releases, Announcements]

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15/04/2016
FINAL COMMUNIQUE OF THE 13TH ISLAMIC SUMMIT OF THE HEADS OF STATE/GOVERNMENT OF THE OIC MEMBER STATES
1. The Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held their Summit (13th Islamic Summit titled ‘Unity and Solidarity for Justice and Peace’) in Istanbul, Republic of Turkey. The Summit Conference was chaired by H. E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkey….
[Selected Paragraphs regarding Syria]
49. The Conference expressed serious concern over the ongoing violence and bloodshed in the Syrian Arab Republic, and stressed the need to preserve Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. It reaffirmed its support for a political settlement of the conflict based on the Geneva Communiqué and supported the political process under the auspices of the UN, with a view to implementing a Syrian-led and Syrian owned political transition that would allow building a new Syrian State based on a pluralist, non-sectarian, democratic and civilian system where the principles of equality before the law, rule of law and respect for human rights prevail…

51. The Conference welcomed the unanimous adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2254 on Syria endorsing an international roadmap for a peace process in Syria. Adoption of the resolution showed the global unity on a conflict that has claimed almost 300,000 lives. The Conference stressed the need to implement this resolution.

52. The Conference expressed its hope that the negotiations of the Syrian parties starting on 13 April 2016 in Geneva would lead to constructive and positive outcomes that will help in resolving the Syrian crisis as soon as possible. It commended in this regard the efforts of the United Nations envoy Staffande Mistura in encouraging political dialogue between the Syrian government and opposition.

53. The Conference reiterated its appreciation to the neighboring countries notably Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey for generously hosting of Syrian refugees, and commended also other friendly States for the support extended to these refugees.
54. The Conference called on the international community and OIC Member States to support Syrian refugees and countries hosting them as soon as possible, and to develop resettlement programmes for Syrian refugees in order to alleviate their plights and that of the hosting States…
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OIC Calls for Urgent Support to Falluja Inhabitants
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is followingwith deep concern the impacts of the siege imposed on the inhabitants of Falluja as a result of Daesh’s control of the city, which has badly affected the conditions of its inhabitants. The Iraqi Parliament has declared Al Anbar a disaster province following the significant losses sustained by most areas and inhabitants of the Province and due to the ongoing battles with Daesh.
08/04/2016

Group of 77 [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.g77.org/

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(New York, 11 April 2016)
Statement by H.E. Mr. Virachai Plasai, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, at the Forty-ninth Session of the Commission on Population and Development on Agenda Item 4: National experience in population matters: “Strengthening the demographic evidence base for the post-2015 development agenda”
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(New York, 6 April 2016)
first informal consultation with member states on the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda at the global level
Remarks on behalf of the Group of 77 and China by H.E. Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Chargé d’affaires and Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations
…the Group stresses the importance of ensuring the integrated and indivisible nature of the SDG while maintaining the ambition of the 2030 Agenda. In our view, all 17 goals are of equal importance and evolving in nature. We believe that the integrated and indivisible nature of the goals should lead to a review system that is systematic and promotes a cross-cutting understanding of the significant interlinkages across the goals and targets…

UNCTAD [to 16 April 2016]
http://unctad.org/en/Pages/AllPressRelease.aspx

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12 Apr 2016
What impact does e-commerce have on trade and development?
UNCTAD/PRESS/PR/2016/008
Geneva, Switzerland
The impact on trade and development of the shift to online commerce will be at the heart of discussions between more than 200 experts from governments, leading e-commerce enterprises, consumer organizations and international development agencies in Geneva on 18–22 April 2016.

The second UNCTAD E-Commerce Week tackles topical issues such as online data privacy, policy discussions about cross-border transfers of data, the growth of e-commerce, and concerns over waning trust in online transactions. The event will also feature consultations with stakeholders on a new global initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of developing countries to engage in and reap benefits from e-commerce…

World Trade Organisation [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news_e.htm
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

WTO NEWS
Trade growth to remain subdued in 2016 as uncertainties weigh on global demand
Growth in the volume of world trade is expected to remain sluggish in 2016 at 2.8%, unchanged from the 2.8% increase registered in 2015. Imports of developed countries should moderate this year while demand for imported goods in developing Asian economies should pick up. Global trade growth should rise to 3.6% in 2017, WTO economists reported on 7 April.

IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.ipu.org/english/news.htm

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11 APRIL 2016
IPU draft strategy sets out vision for future
IPU is inviting feedback from Members on its draft strategy for 2017-2021. The document, Strong democratic parliaments serving the people sets out a vision of a world where every voice counts, and where democracy and parliaments are at the service of citizens for peace and development. The strategy is built on the principles of equality, inclusiveness, respect, integrity and solidarity. It sets out IPU’s commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment, human rights, the global development agenda, peace-building, fostering stronger relationships between parliaments, and bridging the democracy gap in international relations by bringing a parliamentary perspective to global decision-making. IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong told delegates at IPU’s Lusaka Assembly that the strategy would continue to promote strong parliaments and would help them deliver on the expectations of citizens.

International Criminal Court (ICC) [to 16 April 2016]
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08/04/2016
Official Opening of the ICC Permanent Premises on 19 April 2016
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands will officially open the permanent premises of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) during a ceremony hosted by the ICC President, Judge Silvia Fernández, and H.E. Mr Sidiki Kaba, President of the Assembly of States Parties. H.E. Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, will also attend the event that will be held on Tuesday, 19 April 2016, from 15:00 to 16:30 (The Hague local time) at the seat of the Court in The Hague (Netherlands).
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06/04/2016
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, regarding Trial Chamber’s decision to vacate charges against Messrs William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang without prejudice to their prosecution in the future
[2007-2008 election violence in Kenya]
…The Chamber declined to acquit the accused due to the special circumstances of this case. In so doing, the Chamber endorsed the Prosecution’s position that this case has been severely undermined by witness interference and politicisation of the judicial process. The decision further noted that other evidence may have been available to the Prosecution “had it been able to prosecute the case in a different climate, less hostile to the Prosecution, its witnesses and the Court in general.”

The Chamber made it clear that their decision is without prejudice to the presumption of innocence or the Prosecution bringing the case on the basis of the same charges in the future, or in a different form, in light of new evidence.

We regret that due to deliberate and concerted efforts to derail this case through witness interference, the Judges have been prevented from determining the guilt or innocence of the Accused on the full merits of the case. What is also troubling is that the onslaught against this case has – for now – denied the victims of the 2007-2008 election violence in Kenya the justice they so rightly deserve….

World Bank [to 16 April 2016]
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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Unprecedented Collaboration among Development Partners to Improve Infrastructure Implementation
WASHINGTON, April 16, 2016—The inaugural Global Infrastructure Forum 2016 convening here today brings together for the first time the leaders of the multilateral development banks (MDBs) — African Development…
Date: April 16, 2016 Type: Press Release
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European Commission and World Bank Sign Agreement on Catastrophe Risk Insurance for Caribbean and Central American countries
European Union contributes Euro 14 million to Multi-Donor Trust Fund to facilitate access by Central American countries and the DR to insurance facility
Date: April 15, 2016 Type: Press Release
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Victoria Kwakwa Appointed World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific Region
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2016 – World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim has appointed Victoria Kwakwa as the new Regional Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, effective today.
Date: April 15, 2016 Type: Press Release
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International Community Endorses New Initiative to Support Refugees, Host Communities, Recovery and Reconstruction in the Middle East and North Africa
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2016 – Eight nations and the European Commission today pledged a package of more than US$1 billion — US$141 million in grants, US$1 billion in soft loans, US$500 million in…
Date: April 15, 2016 Type: Press Release
[See Week in Review above for more detail]
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World Bank Group, UNICEF urge greater investment in early childhood development
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2016 – World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim and UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake today jointly urged global and national leaders to step up and accelerate action and investments…
Date: April 14, 2016 Type: Press Release
[See Week in Review above for more detail]
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African Partners, World Bank Commit to Provide Identification to Millions
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2016 —African leaders and development partners agreed on a common approach for accelerating the provision of unique identification to millions of people in Africa as a means…
Date: April 14, 2016 Type: Press Release
[See Week in Review above for more detail]

Investing in treatment for depression and anxiety leads to fourfold return
World Health Organization/World Bank Group press release – Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy US$1 trillion each year; countries and development partners to discuss way forward during…
Date: April 12, 2016 Type: Press Release
[See Week in Review above for more detail]
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World Bank in Romania Condemns Acts of Racism Against the Roma
BUCHAREST, April 9, 2016 – The World Bank Group expresses its regret for the acts of hatred towards the Roma community in Romania manifested last night through the vandalism of the National Center for…
Date: April 9, 2016 Type: Press Release
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Growth Recovery in South East Europe Underpinned by Investment, Says Latest World Bank Economic Report
VIENNA, April 8, 2016—The countries of South East Europe (SEE6[1]) are projected to have grown at 2.1 percent on average in 2015. This growth is significantly higher than the 0.3 percent growth in 2014,…
Date: April 8, 2016 Type: Press Release
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World Bank Group Unveils New Climate Action Plan
Plan to Help Countries Meet Paris COP21 Pledges WASHINGTON, April 7, 2016—The World Bank Group today announced plans to help developing countries add 30 gigawatts of renewable energy – enough to power…
Date: April 7, 2016 Type: Press Release
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Mauritius, Mozambique, and Seychelles Partner to Boost Trade and Regional Integration
WASHINGTON, April 7, 2016 — The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved today a total of US$29.9 million for Mauritius, Mozambique and Seychelles to support their efforts to collaborate and create…
Date: April 7, 2016 Type: Press Release
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Europe and Central Asia: Growth Struggles in the West, Volatility Increases in the East
KIEV, April 7, 2016 – The economies of Europe and Central Asia (ECA) continue to face difficult headwinds in an increasingly complex and uncertain global economic environment, with short-term prospects…
Date: April 7, 2016 Type: Press Release
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World Bank Moves Forward in Fight against Poverty in West Africa
Grant will improve data collection and understanding of living conditions in eight countries WASHINGTON, April 6, 2016— The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved an International Development…
Date: April 6, 2016 Type: Press Release
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G20 Leaders Launch Global Partnership and Website to Help Advance Inclusive Business
Nanjing, China, April 6, 2016—The G20 officially launched the Global Platform on Inclusive Business (GPIB) today in Nanjing, China. The Platform is a global partnership that will provide support to policymakers…
Date: April 6, 2016
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Seven essential guiding principles to boost financial inclusion laid out in new report
Seven guiding principles to help countries increase financial inclusion were set out in a report released today by the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) and the World Bank…
Date: April 5, 2016 Type: Press Releas
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Remarks by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim: Development in a Time of Global Interdependence
Good afternoon. I’d like to thank our host today, Mr. Fratzscher, and the German Institute for Economic Research/DIW. We are grateful that we can have this event in such a remarkable setting. And I would…
Date: April 5, 2016 Type: Speeches and Transcripts
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Increasing Economic Growth in Fragile States Can Help Prevent Future Refugee Crises—World Bank President
BERLIN, April 5, 2016—World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim today said that the world’s powers need to pay far greater attention to boosting developing economies and creating jobs in the most fragile…
Date: April 5, 2016 Type: Press Release

African Development Bank Group [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/
[We generally limit coverage to regional or Africa-wide initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

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Unprecedented Collaboration among Development Partners to Improve Infrastructure Implementation
16/04/2016 – The inaugural Global Infrastructure Forum 2016 convening here today brings together for the first time the leaders of the multilateral development banks (MDBs) — African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank Group, Islamic Development Bank, New Development Bank, and the World Bank Group – as well as development partners and representatives of the G20, G24, and G77, to enhance multilateral collaborative mechanisms to improve infrastructure delivery globally. The Forum is organized in close partnership with the United Nations. Following the meeting, a Chairman’s Statement will be issued, setting forth the next steps in this unprecedented collaboration.
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“You can count on the AfDB as partner in delivering education for Africa”, says Adesina
14/04/2016 – Partnership – between the public, the private and the ‘third’ sector of NGOs and Foundations – was the theme of an event hosted by the Global Business Coalition for Education on Thursday in Washington. “We need to preach revolution, as things have to change”, said the Portland Trust. The Wellbeing Foundation continued: “We cannot exist; we cannot pursue; we cannot progress without partnerships.”
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The future of food
13/04/2016 – “We need to look afresh at agriculture in Africa as a series of systems, and to see it not as a way of life, but a business”, said African Development Bank Acting Vice-President for Operations, Kapil Kapoor, at a World Bank Spring Meetings panel on ‘The Future of Food’ on Wednesday. But the challenges of food and agriculture are global: while 2 billion people in the world are undernourished, 2 billion are obese or overweight. The world wastes one-third of the food it produces.
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With AfDB support, 150,000 Liberian farmers to benefit from financing, innovative technology
08/04/2016 –
Liberia, a small country of 4 million inhabitants located in West Africa, is on the verge of undergoing one of the most transformational moments in its agricultural history.
With 10% of its adult population having subscribed to mobile money accounts, Liberia can boast of soon being able to double this figure thanks to the Liberian Agriculture Transformation Agenda (LATA), launched by the Government of Liberia with the support of the African Development Bank.
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MoU signed to strengthen collaboration between AfDB and UN Women
07/04/2016 –
The African Development Bank’s Senior Management Coordinating Committee (SMCC) recently approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bank and UN Women.
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Africa50 announces the appointment of Alain Ebobissé as Chief Executive Officer
06/04/2016 –
The Board of Directors of Africa50 is pleased to announce the appointment of Alain Ebobissé as Chief Executive Officer of Africa50, the Pan-African infrastructure investment platform capitalized by the African Development Bank and, so far, by 22 African countries with an initial capitalization of USD 830 million.
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East Africa leads the way in regional integration, says Index
05/04/2016 –
The Africa Regional Integration Index (ARII) Report – Africa’s first effort to measure progress on regional integration – was launched Saturday, April 2 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during African Development Week, which is taking place from March 31 to April 5. Out of all the Regional Economic Communities, the report cites the East African Community as the most integrated region.

Asian Development Bank [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.adb.org/news/releases
[We generally limit coverage to regional or Asia-wide initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

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16 April 2016
Unprecedented Collaboration Among Development Partners to Improve Infrastructure Implementation
The inaugural Global Infrastructure Forum 2016 convening here today aims to enhance collaborative mechanisms to improve infrastructure delivery globally.
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14 April 2016
Construction Begins on Lengana Wharf in Western Province
Rehabilitation work has begun on Lengana Wharf in Western Province, making it the thirteenth to be upgraded under the Domestic Maritime Support Project supported by ADB, Australia and New Zealand.
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13 April 2016
Asian Economies Must Build Resilience to Growing Risks
Emerging risks and destabilizers as diverse as widening income inequality, slower growth, and climate change are reshaping Asia’s economic landscape at such a rapid pace says Independent Evaluation at ADB.
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11 April 2016
ADB Approves $2 Million for Herders Hit By Mongolian Climate Disaster
ADB Country Director Robert Schoellhammer and Monglolia Finance Minister Bolor Bayarbaatar signed a $2 million grant agreement for herders afflicted by a protracted climate disaster in Mongolia known as a “dzud.”
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8 April 2016
Takehiko Nakao to Stand for Reelection as ADB President
ADB President Takehiko Nakao today expressed his intention to stand for reelection as President for the next 5-year term, after the current term ends on 23 November 2016.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.aiib.org/html/NEWS/
[We generally limit coverage to regional or Asia-wide initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

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04/14/2016
Mr. Hamid Sharif appointed as Director General of the Compliance, Effectiveness and Integrity Unit
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04/14/2016
AIIB and World Bank Sign First Co-Financing Framework Agreement
Close cooperation between the two institutions will support economic development
WASHINGTON, April 13, 2016—Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Jin Liqun and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim today signed the first co-financing framework agreement between the two institutions.

The agreement outlines the co-financing parameters of AIIB-World Bank investment projects, and paves the way for the two institutions to jointly develop projects this year. In 2016, the AIIB expects to approve about $1.2 billion in financing, with World Bank joint projects anticipated to account for a sizable share.

“I am very pleased today to sign this co-financing agreement together with World Bank Group President Kim,” Jin said. “The AIIB is very grateful for the generous and timely support offered by the World Bank Group throughout our establishment process, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with ongoing cooperation in project co-financing and other areas.”

The AIIB and the World Bank are currently discussing nearly one dozen co-financed projects in sectors that include transport, water and energy in Central Asia, South Asia and East Asia. Under the agreement, the World Bank will prepare and supervise the co-financed projects in accordance with its policies and procedures in areas like procurement, environment and social safeguards…

IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development [to 16 April 2016]
https://www.ifad.org/newsroom/press_release/list/tags/y2016

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12 April 2016
Smallholder farmers to benefit from $65 million tea and rubber revitalization project in Sri Lanka
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7 April 2016 :
Independent evaluation shows IFAD-supported operations in Nigeria improve the livelihoods of rural poor people
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6 April 2016:
Despite being “the biggest threat facing humanity” climate change and its impacts fail to make headlines, says IFAD study
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6 April 2016:
Where a woman lives in Latin America increases her risk of being disadvantaged – new report

:: INGO/Consortia/Joint Initiatives Watch
We will monitor media releases and other announcements around key initiatives, new research and major organizational change from a growing number of global NGOs, collaborations, and initiatives across the human rights, humanitarian response and development spheres of action.

This Watch section is intended to be indicative, not exhaustive. We will not include fund raising announcements, programs events or appeals, and generally not include content which is primarily photo-documentation or video in format.

Amref Health Africa [to 16 April 2016]
http://amref.org/news/news/

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14 April 2016
FGM Ambassador Selected for the 2016 YALI Training.
Amref Health Africa congratulates Ms Nice Nailantei Leng’ete for having been selected to participate in the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
Nailantei will join thousands of young leaders from the sub-Saharan Africa and the United States in a six week leadership training and later participate in a three day interactive session with U.S. leaders in business, government and non-profit sector Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit hosted by the U.S. President Barrack Obama.

Nailantei, who has been working as a project officer under the Amref Health Africa in Kenya Alternative Rite of Passage project for the last three years, continues to play a key role in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)to ensure girls and women in her maasai community transition to womanhood without undergoing the cut. She also acts as a role model to help the girls and escape early pregnancies and marriage and realise their education dream…

BRAC [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.brac.net/#news

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Monday, 11 April 2016 00:00
BRAC launches the prestigious Manthan Awards
BRAC launched the prestigious Manthan Digital Innovation Award (BMDIA) 2016, on 10 April, for the first time in Bangladesh. The award, an off-shoot of the Manthan Awards in India, promotes the use of technology for the development and focuses on newer digital and mobile innovations.

BRAC in partnership with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), an India-based non-profit launched the awards on National Press club today. Manthan Award, initiated in 2004 by Digital Empowerment Foundation promotes and recognises the contributions of individuals and organisations in the field of ICT for development…
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Thursday, 07 April 2016 00:00
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed receives Thomas Francis, Jr. Medal
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG, founder and chairperson of BRAC, was given the Thomas Francis, Jr. Medal in Global Public Health award by the University of Michigan. Mark Schlissel, president of University of Michigan presented the medal at a ceremony at the Ross School of Business on April 6, 2016.

CARE International [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.care-international.org/news/press-releases

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14th Apr 2016
Southern Africa drought threatens humanitarian catastrophe, warn aid agencies
Aid agencies in Mozambique warn that available resources are insufficient to address the scale of the needs.
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Meeting the Real Needs of Syrian Civilians: A Message to the Humanitarian Task Force
14th Apr 2016 Syria
The Syrian conflict is among the worst catastrophe in modern times and reflects the absolute failure of the international community to halt the brutal and unnecessary cycle of violence.
[See Week in Review above for more detail]
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Yemen: Ceasefire must hold or thousands more will die
10th Apr 2016 Yemen
An agreed cess ation of hostilities in Yemen comes at a crucial moment when an entire country is on the brink.
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6th Apr 2016
Fiji hit by floods as Cyclone Zena approaches
Fijians are bracing for another major cyclone, less than two months after surviving the biggest storm in their country’s history.

Casa Alianza [to 16 April 2016]
Covenant House [to 16 April 2016]
http://www.casa-alianza.org.uk/news
https://www.covenanthouse.org/

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04/13/2016
Looking Forward to Helping Homeless Youth in Chicago
With an estimated 11,000 homeless youth between the ages of 14 to 21 in Chicago over the course of a year, help is needed to provide more outreach, more beds and more hope. Soon Covenant House will stand side by side with other service providers in Chicago to help meet this urgent need.
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04/06/2016
Cheering a Contempt Case Against Backpage.com
The controversy over Backpage.com’s escort service ads and their link to child sex trafficking has taken a new turn as the United States Senate takes the website to court. Covenant House President Kevin Ryan expresses hope that this new development will stop Backpage.com and other sites like it from selling kids.
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04/0/2016
Let’s Study What Works Best For Homeless Youth
In his Huffington Post blog, Covenant House President Kevin Ryan argues that both rapid re-housing initiatives AND the support provided by transitional living programs must be used to meet the complex needs of homeless youth.