United Nations : Internet experts & trade negotiators working in silos (PRIV)
(Chakravarthi Raghavan, Geneva)
The Internet Governance Forum, meeting at the UN Offices in Geneva this week, had a discussion on the World Trade Organisation and discussions there on E-commerce.

United Nations : Plays down impact of Zeid not seeking second term (PRIV)
(Chakravarthi Raghavan, Geneva)
The United Nations tried Friday (22 December) to play down the wide-spread media impact over the last two days of the decision of Mr Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, not to seek a second term, when his current term expires in September 2018.

Opinion : Goodbye to 2017, a Trump-dominated year (PRIV)
(IPS, Penang)
In 2017, Donald Trump dominated the year by using US clout to change many aspects of global relations, and not for the better.

Rights : How Venezuelan with HIV could change way Mexico deals with refugees (PRIV)
(IPS, Mexico City)
As Daniel*, a 26-year-old architect, stood before a visibly exhausted doctor in the main public hospital of the once-idyllic beach resort town of Isla Margarita, northern Venezuela, a terrifying premonition took hold of him.

Central America : Hashes out agenda for sustainable use of water (PRIV)
(IPS, San Salvador)
The countries of Central America are striving to define a plan to promote the sustainable use of water, a crucial need in a region that is already suffering the impacts of climate change.

Note to Readers : Holiday Notice (PRIV)
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In view of the year-end recess in most UN activities and to enable the staff to have some rest, SUNS will not be published during the holiday period. The next issue #8604 will appear on 22 January. We wish all our readers best wishes for the season and a Happy New Year.