Trade : World trade to grow 2.4% in 2017, but uncertainties abound (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
World merchandise trade in volume terms is forecast to grow 2.4% in 2017, up from a very weak 1.3% in 2016, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said on Wednesday.

Climate : GCF Board does not approve funding proposal from Ethiopia (PRIV)
(Indrajit Bose, New Delhi)
The Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), at its 16th meeting held in Songdo, South Korea, from 4-6 April, could not agree on a project from Ethiopia, titled "Responding to the increasing risk of drought: building gender-responsive resilience of the most vulnerable communities".

United Nations : Malala Yousafzai becomes youngest Messenger of Peace (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai has become the youngest UN Messenger of Peace with a special focus on girls' education.

Africa : Microbes, new weapon against agricultural pests (PRIV)
(IPS, Bulawayo)
Microscopic soil organisms could be an environmentally friendly way to control crop pests and diseases and even protect agriculture against the impacts of climate change, a leading researcher says.

Note to Readers : Holiday Notice (PRIV)
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Due to the Easter holidays in Europe, the next issue SUNS #8444 will appear on 18 April.