Multilateralism for trade and development

The COVID-19COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 discovered in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19 -—
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—-. pandemicCommonly described by the WHO as ‘the worldwide spread of a new disease’, no strict definition is provided. In 2009, they set out the basic requirements for a pandemic: • New virus emerges in humans
• Minimal or no population immunity
• Causes serious illness; high morbidity/mortality
• Spreads easily from person to person
• Global outbreak of disease.
The US Centre for Disease Control uses a similar approach, but with a reduced set of criteria. It is very difficult to gauge whether the spread of a disease should be termed an outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. In other words, when to declare a pandemic isn’t a black and white decision -—
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—-. caused a significant decline in global trade of goods and services and gave a rise to new protectionist measures around the globe, aimed at maximizing the supplies of critical goods on domestic markets. Many of these temporary trade measures in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic have been terminated; and the economies entered the recovery phase. However, the fragile rebound of world trade is hampered by the devastating war in Ukraine. In addition to the humanitarian crisis, it might have destructive repercussions for the poorer and most vulnerable countries. In this time of crisis, having an open, non-discriminatory and inclusive world trading system is ever more important to support development towards achieving the 17 SDGsSustainable Development Goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This theme on multilateralism for trade and development of SDGSustainable Development Goal Pulse:

1. Provides analysis and statistics on international trade in developing economies, including goods and services trade.
2. Assesses progress and studies new developments in the special and differential treatment for developing countries.
3. Analyses trade restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets and links between trade, food security and sustainable agriculture.
4. Examines the role of Aid for Trade in support of developing countries.