Author: marten
Back to homepage
marten
Volatility in Chinese Stock Values: Potentially Much More Dangerous than a Greek Tragedy?
The problems facing the global economy in the event of a Greek exit from the euro zone could be dwarfed into insignificance by downward movements on the Chinese Stock Markets. In 1989, Margaret Thatcher famously declared: “You can’t buck the
Read More
Rachida Dati: Brawn and Brains French Style
Daring stiletto heels and perfectly-fitting leather trousers: Rachida Dati does not lack self-confidence. In fact, her composure is faultless. A daughter not of landed nobility, but of an impoverished bricklayer from Morocco, Rachida Dati was the second-born in a family
Read More
At High-Level Forum, UN Official Calls for Final Push Towards New Sustainability Agenda
The international community stands on the cusp of eradicating extreme poverty and reaching the world’s most vulnerable people with “a chance to live a life of dignity,” the Vice-President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) declared today,
Read More
Schlumberger Nigeria: Best Sustainability Award
In over forty countries, oilfield services company Schlumberger is actively engaged in promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through its SEED (Schlumberger Excellence in Education Development) programme. The company is fully committed to share its corporate culture which
Read More
Alisher Usmanov: A Likeable Oligarch
Billionaire Alisher Usmanov is a Russian oligarch with a twist. Mostly known for his thirty percent stake in Arsenal FC, Mr Usmanov is also famous for the in-your-face style with which he habitually displays his vast personal wealth. Flying about
Read More
Enhancing Integration, Unlocking Investment in West Africa
West Africa is stepping up efforts to integrate regional economies and improve the investment climate with the support of the World Bank Group. At a mid-June event in Dakar, a regional public-private dialogue framework was launched to jointly identify regional
Read More
All Eyes on Greece: Is the IMF Asking for More than PM Tsipras Can Deliver?
Financial markets around the world slipped today on growing fears that Greece may be unable to reach an agreement with her international creditors and thereby default on a $1.6 billion loan repayment due this month. Failure to repay could result
Read More
The Proposals from Greece: Prospects for a Deal Improve Dramatically
New economic proposals submitted by Greece on Monday have been welcomed by euro zone leaders and financial markets around the world. The expectation is for a deal to be announced within days. Although in all likelihood the country will need
Read More
Ma Yansong: The Modular Rhythms of Human Experience
“This guy should not be allowed to practice architecture.” Just one reaction, not atypical, to the biophilic designs of Chinese architect Ma Yansong whose work tends to evoke strong feelings. Seeking a novel – and radical – approach to the
Read More
World Bank: Asian Countries are among Top Achievers on Sustainable Energy Progress
Asian countries are making a vital contribution to achieving global sustainable energy goals, a new World Bank report finds. But while the region performs strongly on ensuring electricity access for people and using more modern renewable energy, there is room
Read More