The deployment of autonomous weapons would represent a dangerous new era in warfare, scientists said.

Reducing commercial friction and investment uncertainty are among the measures that can boost global trade as well as help reintegrate the world's "spaghetti bowl" of regional free trade and investment agreements, says a report.

The United States wants the United Nations to raise funding for refugees this year by 30 per cent to $13 billion and says it will ask for the extra cash at a summit to be hosted by President Barack Obama in September.