Transnational Bodies

Expert: China Eyes Robust Role in Global Governance

August 06, 2018

Defense research analyst Timothy R. Heath of the RAND Corporation writes that Chinese officials attending the country’s recent Central Foreign Relations Work Conference made clear they are preparing to carve out a leading position for China in world affairs in response to what they view as a current “global governance deficit.”
Asian Bank Commits $80 Billion to “Climate Finance”

August 06, 2018

The Asian Development Bank has announced that it will fund climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in the South Asia and Pacific region in the amount of $80 billion as part of a broader “Strategy 2030” initiative aiming to fulfill global social and environmental goals ranging from reducing inequalities to “fostering regional cooperation.”
OSCE Updates Database on National Compliance with Standards

August 03, 2018

The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights has launched an updated version of its database Legislationline.org with the aim of helping OSCE member states “in bringing their legislation into line with OSCE commitments and other international standards,” and permitting observers to scrutinize fidelity to such commitments.
World Bank Launches Energy Efficiency Drive in Brazil

August 03, 2018

The World Bank has launched a Financial Instruments for Brazil Energy Efficient Cities Project to attract private financing for Brazil’s transition to energy-efficient lighting and industry to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and help it fulfill its commitments under the UN’s Paris climate agenda.
World Bank Highlights Support for Mexican Climate Adaptation

August 03, 2018

Demonstrating the development institution’s policies embedding the global agenda against climate change in its funding decisions, the World Bank has published an article touting its financial support in partnership with the Global Environment Facility of a five-year project establishing climate change adaptation mechanisms in Mexico.
Caspian Countries Commit to Environmental Assessments

August 03, 2018

Five countries abutting the Caspian Sea - Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan - have signed an Environmental Impact Assessment Protocol agreeing to evaluate the environmental effects of their development and economic policies on other signatories.
World Bank Succeeds in “Climate Mainstreaming” Efforts

August 02, 2018

The World Bank Group has announced that it set an annual record in fiscal year 2018 with $20.5 billion in global finance for projects related to combating or adapting to the impacts of climate change, as part of efforts across the institution “to mainstream climate considerations into all development projects.”
Iran Files ICJ Complaint on Renewal of US Sanctions

July 31, 2018

The Iranian regime has filed proceedings in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) claiming the US violated its treaty obligations by reinstituting sanctions against Iran related to the country’s nuclear program, calling on the ICJ to rule that the US must terminate the sanctions and pay compensation related to the damages they caused.
Switzerland Initiates WTO Complaint on US Tariffs

July 30, 2018

The Swiss government has initiated a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) calling for dispute consultations to resolve the US imposition of duties on certain steel and aluminum products as violating the WTO’s General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
OECD Calls on Czech Government to “Green” Economy

July 30, 2018

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has called on the Czech government to “green the economy” and “align its energy policy with its climate policy” and the goals of the UN’s Paris climate agreement by reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.