Morning Multilateralism

Wednesday, June 17 2020

• The United Nations special envoy for Syria describes a grim political and humanitarian situation, urges renewed negotiations.

• After months of politicking, it’s finally election day for the UN Security Council.

• The World Ban finalizes a billion dollar package grants and loans to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a focus on education.

• The World Health Organization may update its treatment guidelines after reports that a common steroid is helpful in treating serious cases of covid-19.

• IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath writes that the Great Lockdown is producing economic crisis “unlike anything the world has seen before.”

• The European Union criticizes U.S. measures against the International Criminal Court.

• In departure from past practice, the Trump administration nominates U.S. official to serve as president of the Inter-American Development Bank.

• NATO secretary-general plays down concern about U.S. troop withdrawals from Germany, noting that “no final decision has been made.”

• As China-India tension mounts, the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approves $750 million loan to India.

• In soccer broadcasting case, World Trade Organization expert panel hands Saudi Arabia a red card; plus, a look at Mexico’s candidate for the WTO top spot.