Issue No. 623, 16-31 August 2016
HLPF reviews implementation of sustainable development agenda

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HLPF adopts ministerial declaration and discusses 2030 Agenda follow-up and review
The discussions and outcome of the 2016 session of the UN’s sustainable development forum reflected the challenges involved as countries move to realize the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Bhumika Muchhala reports.

Civil society expresses discontent over dire state of means of implementation
Civil society groups at the HLPF stressed the need to remove structural obstacles impeding implementation of the sustainable development agenda.
by Bhumika Muchhala

South faces uphill battle to retain “policy space” in WTO talks
Developing countries may come under pressure to cede their policymaking flexibility in order to make any headway in the deadlocked Doha Round trade negotiations at the WTO.
by D. Ravi Kanth

Vulture funds inherently exploitative at expense of human rights
Vulture funds are raking in extravagant profits at the expense of human rights and development in poor indebted countries, the Advisory Committee to the UN Human Rights Council has said, underlining the need to curb the “predatory practices” of these creditors.
by Kanaga Raja

Opinion: TPP under serious threat
The Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement has become a political football in the US presidential election campaign, and with the public mood being against free trade pacts, this deal faces the real possibility of being discarded.
by Martin Khor

Opinion: Poverty, vulnerability and social protection
Amid faltering growth rates and limited social protection measures, economic insecurity and vulnerability have become widespread across the globe.
by Jomo Kwame Sundaram

Analysis: New trade deals legalize corporate theft, make farmers’ seeds illegal
A raft of new bilateral and regional free trade agreements are seeking to further entrench corporate control of seed supply and restrict farmers’ ability to save, produce and exchange seeds. The following article by GRAIN, an international non-profit organization supporting farmers’ rights, sounds the warning.