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WTO members discuss ways to facilitate trade amid diverse carbon-emission measures

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GENEVA, Switzerland – World Trade Organization (WTO) members gathered in Geneva on 16 October for the first “interactive sessions” of the Committee on Trade and Environment, focusing on how best to facilitate trade while navigating diverse carbon emissions-measurement methodologies. The interactive sessions provided members with a platform for open dialogue and the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the linkages between specific environmental measures and trade.

In his opening remarks, the chair of the committee, ambassador Erwin Bollinger of Switzerland, said members’ continued interest in the interface of trade and climate change policies or measures and their discussions in various configurations since 2024 culminated in the holding of the event.

Through his consultations, “members identified three areas around which deeper discussion was needed: transparency approaches; the development dimension; and interoperability and coherence,” he said. Pointing out that the interactive sessions provided a space for members to “engage in technical discussions, build further understanding, and foster peer learning. particularly in instances where members have not yet been able to reach convergence.” He emphasised that the exercise is not intended to lead to any specific outcome, nor to endorse any particular type of measure or alter the rights and obligations of members.

Ambassador Sofía Boza Martínez of Chile, ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand and ambassador Manuel Antonio Teehankee of the Philippines, each in their personal capacity, joined ambassador Bollinger in moderating the four breakout group discussions.

Members delved into the three topics of transparency, the development dimension, and interoperability and coherence through guided questions.

On transparency approaches, discussions focused on ways to enhance transparency in the preparation, adoption and application of relevant measures – particularly emissions measurement methodologies – and how to improve transparency around alternative environmental approaches that could have less impact on trade.

On the development dimension, members explored the specific challenges faced by developing and least-developed members in implementing new emissions-related measures. They also discussed potential flexibilities that could support these members in complying with such measures.

On interoperability and coherence, questions centred on possible actions to facilitate alignment and compatibility across various emission-reduction measures, with a view to minimizing regulatory and compliance burdens.

Concluding the one-day retreat, ambassador Bollinger thanked members for the successful event and fruitful discussions. He said he will present key takeaways from the event at the upcoming Committee meeting on 4-5 November. He noted members’ strong interest in organising additional interactive sessions, with the next event tentatively scheduled for 5 December 2025.

The post WTO members discuss ways to facilitate trade amid diverse carbon-emission measures appeared first on Caribbean News Global.

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Short Ghad sings about near-death experience with ‘Reason’

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"When I was living in Sweden a few years ago, one of my so-called friends dem threatened my life. I was surprised because I wasn't expecting it and mi just write the song same time, singing 'one of my friend dem want mi gone', and the chorus just stuck inna mi head and ah just so the song come about," he said.

He released visuals with a touching narrative for Reason which have racked up over 101,000 views since its release.

The song is the title track of his soon-to-be-released EP. Other songs which will be included on the EP are Never Say Sorry and Feel Like.

"This EP will show off my overall artistic vision, these songs are gaining tremendous popularity on Tik Tok and on IG @shortgee__ with thousands of shares and videos from fans all over the world," the artiste, whose real name is Conrad Williams, said.

Short Ghad has emerged as a popular TikTok personality, amassing several thousand followers on the platform where he streams live and plays music from his catalogue and those of other artistes. He has been promoting his singles and performing at local events such as BoomBox Fridays and Weddy Weddy Wednesdays.

"I have been in the streets all of this week and the response has been phenomenal, mi shell Weddy Weddy the other day, many of the selectors dem at the weekly events ah give me a strength," he said.

Short Ghad hails from the parish of St Elizabeth and was originally known for being a DJ, making his rounds across Jamaica’s street dances and parties. He gained recognition in 2022 after releasing Feel Nice, the title song and lead single from his 2022 debut studio album.

Released on February 25, 2022, the 19-track album is a tribute to love, inspired by his personal experiences and surroundings. The album featured a mix of classical dancehall and reggae with popular songs like Sekkle, Right Type a Luv and Love Party.

The project generated significant buzz, particularly in Europe, eventually achieving the number one spot on the pre-order list on iTunes (Reggae) in Sweden and, since that time, has garnered significant streams on Spotify and Facebook. His music blends dancehall, Afrobeat and reggae, making him a notable emerging artiste in the European market.

Short Ghad has released a battery of new videos for projects such as Never Say Sorry, Reason and Clean Like over the last couple of months.

"I am making great strides in the music industry, 2025 has been a breakout year for me," he said.

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