COVID-19 : Concerns that Gavi's vaccine initiative promotes inequitable access (PRIV)
(Sangeeta Shashikant, London)
The proposal by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to create a facility that will enter into advance purchase agreements with pharmaceutical companies guaranteeing the purchase of vaccines, has generated significant global concerns about its impact on equitable access for populations especially in developing countries.

Trade : Director of Appellate Body division moved to a new "division" (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Roberto Azevedo, has shifted the director of the Appellate Body (AB) Division to lead from 1 July a new "Division" responsible for "Knowledge and Information Management, Academic Outreach and the WTO Chair's Programme".

Trade : EU Trade Commissioner drops out of race for post of WTO DG (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The European Union's trade commissioner Mr Phil Hogan on Monday dropped his candidature from the race for the post of Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

COVID-19 : Increases suffering of children in conflict (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
The current coronavirus pandemic is having a profound effect on children in conflict zones - with girls especially being at higher risk of violence and sexual health concerns.