Global Issues News Headlines for “Free Trade and Globalization”

Arab Regions Remain the Most Underrepresented in the Global Trade System

2026-07-14T05:43:41-07:00

UNITED NATIONS, July 14 (IPS) - Despite the importance of international trade as an engine for economic growth and development, only fourteen of the twenty-two Arab states are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The remaining Arab states risk missing out on opportunities for greater integration into the global economy and the multilateral trading system facilitated by the WTO.

Read the full story, “Arab Regions Remain the Most Underrepresented in the Global Trade System”, on globalissues.org →

The Tale of Two Countries: Elite Stake and Development

2026-07-14T05:16:48-07:00

SYDNEY, July 14 (IPS) - Philippines was the most advanced Southeast Asian country with the highest per capita GDP until about the early 1960s. Its per capita GDP in purchasing power parity terms were about the same as South Korea’s and above that of Thailand in the early 1970s.The Nobel Laureate economist, Gunnar Myrdal, did not have much hope for “disease infested” Indonesia when in 1968 he published his famous Asian Drama: An Enquiry Into the Poverty of Nations. But Indonesia surged ahead since the late 1960s with growth acceleration exceeding that of Philippines; thus, eventually overtaking Philippines in GDP per capita in the mid-1980s. What factors separated Indonesia from Philippines?

Read the full story, “The Tale of Two Countries: Elite Stake and Development”, on globalissues.org →

Europe’s Funding Question Puts Tanzania’s Fragile Democracy on Trial

2026-07-13T09:42:34-07:00

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, July 13 (IPS) - Every evening just before sunset, Salima Kitwana hobbles into her backyard holding a photograph.

Read the full story, “Europe’s Funding Question Puts Tanzania’s Fragile Democracy on Trial”, on globalissues.org →

Renewed Attacks on Strait of Hormuz Deepen Global Supply Chain Concerns

2026-07-10T16:54:26-07:00

UNITED NATIONS, July 10 (IPS) - Renewed attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified concerns over global energy markets along with supply chain disruptions, as the United Nations calls for an end to escalating hostilities within the Persian Gulf.

Read the full story, “Renewed Attacks on Strait of Hormuz Deepen Global Supply Chain Concerns”, on globalissues.org →

AI Helping Modernize Trade Across Asia and the Pacific, Though Adoption Gaps Remain

2026-07-10T05:10:30-07:00

BANGKOK, Thailand, July 10 (IPS) - Artificial intelligence is reshaping trade processes across Asia and the Pacific. However, despite growing interest, most economies have yet to deploy the technology at scale, according to a new study by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Read the full story, “AI Helping Modernize Trade Across Asia and the Pacific, Though Adoption Gaps Remain”, on globalissues.org →

Feeding Africa: Women Farmers Key to Ending Hunger

2026-07-09T05:41:50-07:00

UNITED NATIONS, July 9 (IPS) - As FAO coordinates the implementation of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, gender team leader Tacko Ndiaye discusses why investing in Africa’s women farmers is essential for food security, economic growth and creating more resilient agrifood systems

Read the full story, “Feeding Africa: Women Farmers Key to Ending Hunger”, on globalissues.org →

Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens After Worst Earthquake in Decades

2026-07-07T05:21:22-07:00

UNITED NATIONS, July 7 (IPS) - In recent weeks, Venezuela’s humanitarian situation has deteriorated sharply following the twin earthquakes on June 24. Marking the strongest seismic event since 1990, the earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks have resulted in a significant loss of life, widespread damage to critical infrastructure, and considerable disruption to livelihoods and humanitarian response efforts.

Read the full story, “Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens After Worst Earthquake in Decades”, on globalissues.org →

When AI hurts people, who’s to blame? Global experts grapple with accountability

2026-07-07T05:00:00-07:00

Who is legally responsible when Artificial Intelligence causes harm? The issue took centre stage on Tuesday – day two of the first ever UN summit on AI governance, where leading experts warned of mounting evidence of human rights violations linked to the revolutionary technology.

Read the full story, “When AI hurts people, who’s to blame? Global experts grapple with accountability”, on globalissues.org →

General Assembly LIVE: Debating US sanctions against Cuba

2026-07-07T05:00:00-07:00

The UN General Assembly typically takes up the issue of United States sanctions against Cuba in the autumn, but on Tuesday, at Havana’s request, the world body is convening on the decades-long embargo amid warnings of increasing suffering on the Caribbean island. Stay tuned for live updates.

Read the full story, “General Assembly LIVE: Debating US sanctions against Cuba”, on globalissues.org →

Towards a Human rights-Centred, Transformative Agenda Beyond 2030

2026-07-07T04:40:26-07:00

MUNICH / BRUSSELS , July 7 (IPS) - The 2030 agenda cum SDGs are due to be completed in 2030, with negotiations towards a follow-up agenda to begin formally at the UN General Assembly in autumn 2027. Many direct or indirect discussions have, however, already begun, e.g. pluri-laterally at BRICS and G20 meetings and the EU; as well as at the UN in connection with the Summit of the Future, the Doha World Summit for Social Development, the Beyond GDP report; or in fora such as the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. Think tanks and academics, too, are brainstorming on how best to re-ignite a genuine commitment to the SDGs and at the same time reflect on the future.

Read the full story, “Towards a Human rights-Centred, Transformative Agenda Beyond 2030”, on globalissues.org →