Overview of outcomes of the November 2017 UNFCCC climate talks
The annual climate change talks under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Kyoto Protocol (KP) and the Paris Agreement (PA) took place in Bonn, Germany, on 6-18 November 2017, ending a day later than scheduled due to last-minute wrangling among Parties, mainly over issues related to finance.
Playing with Financial Fire: A South Perspective on the International Financial System
By Andrew Cornford
Playing with Fire (PWF) is a continuation of the analysis of the integration of Emerging and Developing Economies (EDEs) into the international financial system which Yılmaz Akyüz has carried out in his roles as senior economist for many years responsible for UNCTAD’s Trade and Development Report and Chief Economist at the South Centre. The treatment covers cross-border financial flows, increased commercial presence of foreign financial institutions in EDEs and their increased participation in their local financial markets as well as policy and regulatory issues. PWF deploys data on major cross-border financial flows on a gross as well as a net basis. This innovative approach facilitates identification of financial stability issues posed by the increased participation of EDEs in international financial markets.
The IP Negotiations Monitor summarizes the latest developments in multilateral and regional fora where intellectual property negotiations are taking place, and informs on upcoming meetings and events.
(Covering period: July – December 2017)
Goodbye to 2017, a Trump-dominated year
The year 2017 is fast ending and a new year 2018 will soon be starting: a good time to take stock. The past year was dominated by President Trump of the United States, who put his stamp on world affairs in many ways. He offended allies and foes alike, while catering to his voter base. The changes he made to US policies on the UN, climate change, trade and (as the year ended) on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, changed the world in many ways. Developing countries, affected in 2017, are worried what next will change in 2018.
Climate Partnerships for a Sustainable Future: An initial overview of South-South cooperation on climate change in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty
At COP23, the United Nations Southern Climate Partnership Incubator (SCPI) released a report entitled “Climate Partnerships for a Sustainable Future: An initial overview of South-South cooperation on Climate Change in the context of sustainable development and efforts to eradicate poverty”. This report was jointly produced by the South Centre and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
South Centre Statement at the 27th Session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Standing Committee on the Law of Patents
As this year’s work in the WIPO substantive committees will end with the conclusion of the 27th session of the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP), we are reminded that next year will mark the tenth anniversary since the SCP had reconvened in 2008 with a focus on developing a balanced work programme on issues relating to the law of patents to also address development and public policy questions that arise in the context of the patent system. The work of the SCP, in this sense, is integral to advancing the WIPO Development Agenda.
Statement by the South Centre on EU-MERCOSUR Trade Negotiations
EU-MERCOSUR Trade Negotiations must not impose TRIPS Plus provisions on Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights
China’s Debt Problem and Rising Systemic Risks: Impact of the global financial crisis and structural problems
The fast expansion of China’s debt, in particular corporate and local government debt, has attracted international attention and has also become a major concern of China’s policy makers. Even though China can tolerate a higher debt level than many other emerging and developing economies owing to the sheer size and other special features of the Chinese economy, systemic risks for financial stability have been rising since the global financial crisis and the cushions built in the past decades to withstand a higher debt level have also been weakened. (more…)
South Centre Statement for the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development
Below is the statement by the South Centre during the first session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Financing for Development (IGE Ffd) held in Geneva on 8-10 November 2017.
The International Debate on Generic Medicines of Biological Origin
The debate on generic medicines is not new. What makes it different today is that attacks levelled against biological products are couched in ever more “technical” and abstruse language that confuses even the World Health Organization (WHO).
Promoting Sustainable Development by Addressing the Impacts of Climate Change Response Measures on Developing Countries
Response measures arise in the context of developed and developing countries taking actions to combat climate change at global, national and regional levels, such as for the protection and stabilization of the climate, emissions leakages and/or the costs of environmental compliance. They may have unintended and adverse economic and social consequences for developing countries’ economies, most often on the poorest and most vulnerable sectors of those economies.
Title: “Another Crisis in the Making?” Book Launch of Dr. Yilmaz Akyuz’s Playing with Fire,
Deepened Financial Integration and Changing Vulnerabilities of the Global South
Date: Friday, 10 November 2017, 13h00-15h00
Venue: Room XXII, Palais des Nations, the United Nations Office in Geneva
Organizers: The South Centre
