Transnational Bodies

Venezuela Launches WTO Procedure over US Sanctions

January 10, 2019

Venezuela has launched a consultation process at the World Trade Organization (WTO) by accusing the US of violating WTO rules through sanctions targeting the country in response to the Venezuelan government’s human rights violations against its citizens.
World Bank Issues Five-Year $200 Billion Climate Finance Plan

December 13, 2018

The World Bank Group has announced its plans to mobilize $200 billion in funding for “ambitious climate action” in the years 2021 to 2025, focusing on “climate adaptation” projects that seek to counter the ongoing, catastrophic impacts of global warming.
US Prevails on Trade Language at G20 Summit

December 13, 2018

Bloomberg reports that, under pressure from the Trump Administration, the G20 group of countries included in its communique at the conclusion of its recent summit in Buenos Aires language conceding flaws in global trading rules under the World Trade Organization and omitted references to protectionism.
OECD Report Calls for Focus on “Sustainability” in Development Programs

December 12, 2018

The OECD Development Centre recently published a report calling on countries to include in their national development programs a “multidimensional” focus on economic, social, and environmental well-being aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
WTO Panels Review Compliance of Steel Tariffs with Global Trade Rules

December 10, 2018

In November, the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body established panels to review new US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, as well as panels requested by the US to review countermeasures imposed in response to its tariffs by China, Canada, the EU, and Mexico.
Former UN Chief Launches Climate Adaptation Commission

December 05, 2018

AP News reports that, in October, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon worked with 18 countries to create a Global Commission on Adaptation that will push global actors to develop measures to help the world adapt to the impacts of climate change in such areas as food, water, and energy.
G20 Report Seeks Global Focus in Financial Governance

December 05, 2018

In October, the G20 Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance published a report calling for the end of a “fragmented” system of multilateral financial institutions through mechanisms that would lead to global collaboration and complementarity of the international financial system.
IMF Chief Discusses Role in Implementing SDGs

December 03, 2018

In a recent lecture in London, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde explains how the IMF plans to help implement the UN’s comprehensive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through initiatives including efforts to reduce income inequality and curb global warming.
Schaefer: Bolton Is Justified in Rejecting ICC

December 03, 2018

Brett Schaefer of the Heritage Foundation defends the criticism US National Security Advisor John Bolton recently leveled at the International Criminal Court (ICC) as justified in light of the ICC’s lack of checks and balances and ambiguous jurisdiction and as consistent with policy from multiple US administrations.
World Bank Targets $3 Billion in Water-Related SDG Investments

November 29, 2018

In August, the World Bank launched a Sustainable Development Bond initiative aimed at raising over $3 billion in investments supporting the realization of the UN’s comprehensive social and environmental targets contained in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on SDGs relating to “water, sanitation and marine protection.”