Norway is one of six donors that have put money on the table for a mechanism designed to provide incentive to pharmaceutical companies to develop and supply vaccines to developing countries.

The Advance Market Commitment (AMC) is a USD 1.5 billion carrot to industry. The whole experiment rides on setting the “right" price. Too high, and AMC could end up as a giant subsidy to drug firms. Too low and companies might not take the bait.

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Volvo admits bribing Iraqi regime, risks losing UN supplier status

The UN is scrutinising the list of firms involved in corruption related to the Oil for Food Programme, and considering which should be kicked out of the UN market. Volvo CE may lose its status as a UN supplier. The US Department of Justice lists the fraud investigation of Volvo as one of its major achievements last year, while an investigation continues in Sweden.

Audit Director Gina Funnemark at the Auditor General's Offfice casts doubt on the independence and quality of a forensic investigation of NGO aid, commissioned by Sida. Magnus Lindell at Sida says he can’t see what the fuss is about.

No cross debarment of Volcker firms

After publication of the Volcker Report, UN and World Bank heads of procurement from UN met to discuss how to relate to the report. Two years later, there is still no system of cross debarment in place.

New chief of Mekong commission

Jeremy Bird, an irrigation engineer with experience working in the Mekong region, took up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Mekong River Commission Secretariat last month.

Sweden to host Iraq conference

It is confirmed that Sweden will host the International Compact with Iraq (ICI), a UN conference that aims to clarify the support of the international community for Iraq’s development.

The Swedish government aims to both simplify and shift the emphasis of the Policy for Global Development, a strategy for involving all ministries in development assistance first adopted by Parliament in 2003.