Trade : Developing countries call for text-based negotiations on TRIPS waiver (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
A large majority of developing countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO) have joined forces to demand text-based negotiations on the proposed TRIPS waiver to combat the COVID-19 pandemic expeditiously, participants told the SUNS.

Trade : Korea's Yoo withdraws from DG race, clearing way for Okonjo-Iweala (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The path is finally being cleared for the appointment of Nigeria's former finance minister Ms Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the new WTO director-general, after her opponent South Korean trade minister Ms Yoo Myung-hee withdrew from the race on 5 February.

UN : Why it's crucial not to limit youth's access & use of family planning (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
With COVID-19 pandemic negatively affecting access to Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (AYSRH) services, it's imperative governments employ community- based initiatives and peer educators to ensure these services are still available to them.

Mexico : Making seawater potable has high costs & environmental impacts (PRIV)
(IPS, Mexico City)
Mexico is seeking to mitigate water shortages in part of its extensive territory by resorting to seawater, through the expansion of desalination plants. But this solution has exorbitant costs and significant environmental impacts.