Innovation and the Sustainable Development Goals

The WTO Secretariat published this new information note warning of possible increases to trade costs due to COVID-19 disruptions. The note examines the pandemic’s impact on key components of trade costs, particularly those relating to travel and transport, trade policy, uncertainty, and identifies areas where higher costs may persist even after the pandemic is contained.

This Bloomberg article discusses the introduction of the General Motors Co. Hongguang MINI EV in China, a surprise hit that sells for less than $5,000.

The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, is a global collaboration to accelerate the development and production of, and access to, COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CEPI, FIND, Gavi, The Global Fund, Unitaid, Wellcome, the WHO, and the World Bank are working together to advance the development and distribution of the tests, treatments, and vaccines the world needs to reduce mortality and severe disease. Innovation Council members and partners contributed to the establishment of this initiative and continue to support its work.

The Swiss Triple Impact program aims to accelerate the contributions of Swiss businesses towards a more sustainable economy by mobilizing 3000 companies in Switzerland within 3 years to take action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Seeding Labs helps equip scientists with the tools, training, and connections they need to be on the cutting edge of global discovery. They channel donations of equipment, time, and talent where they will have the greatest global impact. Their flagship program, Instrumental Access, makes affordable, high-quality laboratory equipment available to universities and research institutes in developing countries. All equipment is donated from donors’ surplus, overstock, or traded-in items. Instrumental Access has a strategic and rigorous process for screening applicants as well as equipment. After the equipment has been reallocated, Seeding Labs follows up on the equipment installation and use to solve unexpected issues and track the impact of the equipment.