The General Council meeting scheduled for 9 November to consider the appointment of the next WTO Director-General has been postponed. Ambassador David Walker, the chair of the General Council, informed members of the decision on 6 (...)
The Informal Working Group on Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) finalised the technical work on a package of six recommendations and declarations aimed at facilitating the participation of smaller businesses in international trade at its meeting on 5 November. This package will (...)
The WTO Secretariat has published a new information note about trade issues associated with the spread of diseases of animal origin. The note maps out the international framework in place to address these issues, along with ongoing efforts to ensure safe trade in animals and animal products, (...)
The home and institution-based care sector is facing severe challenges in many countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainable investments in health and social care systems, workforces, and in decent working conditions are needed to ensure preparedness and resilience in times of crisis and (...)
Deputy Director-General Alan Wolff spoke at a virtual event on 4 November for the launch of two new publications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) focusing on safe trade in animals and animal products and required competences of veterinary services for international trade. The (...)
For the first time in the ILO’s history, an essentially virtual Governing Body meeting is taking place. Involving members from all regions, the 340th session of the Governing Body runs from 2 – 14 November. It is the first to take place this year, due to the COVID-19 (...)
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on health, jobs, businesses & economies. Yet, cooperatives have been lifting up their communities. Small-scale producers and family farmers were able to improve their access to markets and financing. Simel Esim, Head of (...)
A new ILO study shows that most ILO member States made extensive use of "peak-level" social dialogue to shape their emergency measures for mitigating the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a recurring theme at the meeting of the WTO’s Committee on Trade Facilitation on 20-21 October. A number of members highlighted how trade facilitation — and the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in particular — can be used to help authorities ensure that essential (...)
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the world of work. “A recovery from the COVID-19 crisis must be a green recovery, one that builds a better world for people and planet, ensuring a just transition for all, leaving no one behind,” said ILO expert on green jobs Moustapha Kamal Gueye at (...)