Cancun Climate Conference: Some Key Issues.
The South Centre released a new Policy Brief addressing some key issues on Cancun Climate Conference, including the lowering of expectations; the Fate and Shape of the Global Climate Regulatory Regime; Disastrous Projection of Pledges; the Obligations Proposed for Developing Countries; and Cancun New Structures in Finance, Technology and Adaptation. (more…)
Some preliminary thoughts on new international economic cooperation.
The developed countries have acted as engines of economic growth in the world for nearly half a century; but they may not continue to have that role for long. With their negligible population growth and low level of GDP growth, they are unlikely to generate significant additional consumer demand. (more…)
The Global Financial Crisis and India.
The financial crisis, which assumed global pro- portions in 2008, is, at the time of writing, far from over. In fact, many facets of the crisis are still unfolding, while many of the policy responses are yet to bear fruit and the road to recovery is uncer- tain. (more…)
Copenhagen and After.
This Policy Brief looks at the process leading up to and the substantive provisions of the Copenhagen Accord. It identifies key issues in the Accord that would be important to consider for developing countries in light of their potential implications for the UNFCCC negotiations. (more…)
Copenhagen: Key Issues for Developing Countries.
This paper summarises the key issues that need to be resolved if the Copenhagen Climate Conference is to succeed. They include the future of the Kyoto Protocol, the global climate regime, the emission cuts of developed countries, the attempts to shift responsibiity to developing countries, finance and technology for developing countries, and the danger of climate trade protectionism. (more…)
State of Play of the GATS Negotiations: Are Developing Countries Benefiting?.
This paper provides an overview of the state of play in the GATS negotiations, both covering the market access negotiations, as well as the rules negotiations. (more…)
Is Development Back in the Doha Round?.
As trade ministers prepare to assemble November 30 in Geneva for further WTO talks, they are hearing another round of new and refurbished projections of how much wealthier the world might be after liberalizing trade. (more…)
The gap between commitments and implementation: Assesing the compliance by Annex I parties with their commitments under the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol.
This research paper looks at the extent of compliance by developed countries listed in Annex I of the UNFCCC of their obligations under the UNFCCC to undertake mitigation and to provide financing, technology, and capacity building to developing countries. (more…)
International Trade and Climate Change.
The Waxman – Markey bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives envisages certain measures to restrict carbon dioxide emissions and requires the president to levy a charge on imports of carbon-intensive products from countries that do not adopt similar climate change measures. U.S. importers would have to buy carbon “allowances” for such products, purportedly for maintaining a level playing ground between domestic and overseas producers. (more…)
Government Procurement in Economic Partnership Agreements and FTAs.
The ability of governments to procure from firms of its own choice can be an important development tool and can also be an instrument for macroeconomic management. (more…)
From Declarations to Actions on Commodities: Marking the Turning Point at UNCTAD XII.
With the multilateral trade negotiations at an impasse, with the rising concern on climate change and energy insecurity, rising international food prices which disproportionately affect the poor, the time is ripe for all concerned on development to start taking concrete actions to address the plight of the commodity crisis. (more…)
Implementing the WIPO Development Agenda: Next Steps Forward.
WIPO Member States agreed to a new agenda to guide the organizations work on development and intellectual property (IP). The challenge now is to effectively implement the agenda to achieve concrete results and change. (more…)
