Trade: No convergence on development track of WTO reform (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The discussions on the development track of World Trade Organization reform have seemingly failed to generate convergence after many developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) opposed changes to special and differential treatment (S&DT), most-favored-nation (MFN) treatment, as well as reciprocal treatment during an informal meeting on 16 October, said people familiar with the development.

WTO: ACP challenges facilitator on reform process, "listening rooms" (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
Members of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group on 15 October severely questioned the facilitator regarding the decision to convene informal meetings on the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform track on development in "silos and listening rooms."

WTO: ACP Group outlines vision for development reform (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Group, representing the largest bloc of World Trade Organization members, told the facilitator overseeing the discussions on the WTO reform track on development that they seek "practical implementation and development outcomes that make existing provisions and mandates effective, accessible and operational," amid fears of attenuating special and differential treatment (S&DT), most-favoured-nation (MFN) treatment, and the principle of less-than-full-reciprocity.

UN: WFP urged to drop its controversial partnership with major US tech firm (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
A global coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) as well as activists and concerned individuals have called on the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to end its controversial partnership with Palantir Technologies, a major United States technology company.