Wole Soyinka: A Literary Thorn in the Side of Power

As religious fanaticism increases, “the scroll of faith becomes indistinguishable from the roll call of death.” Nigerian poet and playwright Wole Soyinka (80) spoke out firmly against faith-inspired violence in a video address delivered at the World Humanist Congress –

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World Bank Supports Efforts to Achieve Growth with Equity and to Develop Cities in Colombia

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a two-loan package today totaling US$1.4 billion to strengthen economic growth with equity in Colombia, on the one hand, and increase productivity and sustainability in Colombian cities, on the other. These Development

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World Bank: International Food Prices Hit Four-Year Low

New World Bank Group tool focuses on preparedness for potential future crises. International prices of food decreased by 6 percent between April and August 2014, reaching a four-year low, according to the latest edition of Food Price Watch. This sharp decrease

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UN Reports Potential for Gradual Return to Global Growth, Foresees Risks, Uncertainties

Global economic growth is forecast to continue increasing over the next two years, the United Nations reported today, despite legacies from the financial crisis continuing to weigh on growth, and the emergence of new challenges, including geopolitical conflicts such as

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Stephen Hawking: In the Footsteps of Sir Isaac Newton

To grasp the size, shape and nature of the universe requires a vast mind such as only very few possess. However, in order to truly understand space, and how it came about, a mind the size of Stephen Hawking’s is

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Trade Balance of Developing and Developed Countries Continues to Converge, UNCTAD Statistics Show

UNCTAD Handbook of Statistics 2014 shows that developing and transition economies run large trade surpluses for merchandise and services trade. Geneva, 9 December 2014 – Developing economies ran a combined merchandise and services trade surplus for 2013 of $177.6 billion,

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Mozambique Gets US$110 Million from World Bank to Improve Business Environment, Public Financial Management, and Social Protection

WASHINGTON — The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved today US$110 million to support the Government of Mozambique’s State Budget and its poverty reduction plan (PARP). This International Development Association (IDA) funding is provided under the tenth Poverty Reduction Support

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Pope Francis: Repairing the Roman Catholic Church

Is he merely a window dresser or could he actually be the great reformer most Roman Catholics have been patiently waiting for? Since his election in March 2013, Pope Francis – formerly known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina –

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SWIFT Enters Into Real-Time Retail Domestic Payments

New project win to build an innovative solution for domestic payments in Australia is the first major milestone for the cooperative. SWIFT announces plans to develop real-time retail domestic payment solutions. SWIFT is creating an offering that allows domestic retail

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World Bank: Vietnam Sees Early Signs of Economic Recovery

Hanoi, December 3, 2014 – Early signs show that Vietnam’s economic recovery is on track, says the World Bank’s Taking Stock report, released today. Vietnam’s economic growth is expected to improve from 5.4 percent in 2013 to 5.6 percent in

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