World Diary: June 15–June 21
JUNE 15
Paris Air Show launches
The Paris Air Show takes place at Le Bourget until June 18 for trade visitors and from June 19-21 for the general public. Leading manufacturers of civil and military aircraft and related equipment will be exhibiting their products on the ground and in the air.
Russia hosts summits of new powers
The global spotlight falls on the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Urals this week as it hosts two significant events in terms of the new world order.
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s president, hosts the two-day heads of state summit of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, the Eurasian security grouping comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. As well as President Hu Jintao of China and the leaders of the other five full members, the event will also be attended by representatives from the organisation’s four observer states: India, Iran, Mongolia and Pakistan. The SCO was formed as a loose security body eight years ago, but has broadened its compass to include trade and political issues.
And on Tuesday, the city also hosts the first official summit of the so-called Bric nations, the rapidly growing economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. The staging of the meeting, at which mutual trade and economic issues will be discussed, demonstrates the four’s desire for a greater voice in global economic affairs.
American business summit
North American business, government and academic leaders gather in Detroit for the National Summit, a three-day conference to develop and promote American competitiveness in the challenging global economy.
Berlusconi visits Obama
Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s prime minister, holds talks with Barack Obama, US president, at the White House. Their discussions will include preparations for the G8 summit in
L’Aquila, Italy, next month.
Jobs crisis addressed
An international conference to combat worldwide unemployment opens in Geneva (until June 17). The Global Jobs Crisis Summit is organised by the International Labour Organisation, and nine heads of government, together with leaders of employers’ and workers’ organisations, are due to attend.
Investment forum
GAIM International, the leading annual investment management conference, opens in Monaco for its three days of discussions.
US fashion awards
The Council of Fashion Designers of America holds its annual awards ceremony in New York. Awards will be given for design excellence in women’s wear, men’s wear and accessories.
Education ministers meet
Commonwealth education ministers begin their triennial conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (until June 19), with the question of how the global economic downturn will affect education prominent in their discussions.
Electricity convention
Eurelectric, the umbrella body for the European electricity industry, holds its two-day annual convention and conference in Bucharest. Industry leaders and academics will discuss the latest developments and issues in the sector, such as low-carbon power and regional market integration.
Responsible business
Corporate responsibility is the subject of a conference in Paris organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development. Discussion topics include health and safety, ethical products and energy efficiency.
FT reports
Business of Luxury
Aerospace
JUNE 16
Lee at White House
The recent nuclear test and threats from North Korea are on the agenda when Lee Myung-bak, South Korea’s president, holds talks with US counterpart Barack Obama.
Royal Ascot starts
Royal Ascot, one of horseracing’s leading flat race meetings, begins its five-day run at the Berkshire course.
JUNE 17
First EU-Pakistan summit
The European Union stages its first summit with Pakistan. Terrorism, Pakistan’s strategic regional role, and trade matters are due to be discussed with President Asif Ali Zardari in Brussels.
Lunar orbit launch
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a spacecraft designed to locate safe landing sites on the moon and detect resources there, is due to be launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The craft will be placed in low polar orbit 30 miles above the moon for one year, and is part of Nasa’s plan to return to the moon and then travel to Mars and beyond.
Chemical mixture
Chemspec Europe, the trade show and conference which describes itself as the continent’s only dedicated fine and speciality chemicals event, opens in Barcelona (until June 18).
State of EU debated
The state of the European Union is to be analysed and debated at the annual meeting of the European Policy Centre think-tank in Brussels.
JUNE 18
EU leaders gather
The European Council assembles in Brussels (until June 19), where European Union leaders will discuss the global economy, climate change and the Lisbon treaty.
East Asia analysed
The World Economic Forum on East Asia begins two days of discussions in Seoul, centred on the implications of the global economic crisis for the region.
US Open tees off
The US Open, one of golf’s four major championships, is played over four days at Farmingdale, New York.
FT report
Corporate Governance
JUNE 19
Moscow at the movies
The Moscow International Film Festival begins (until June 28), showcasing Russian and international films.
FT report
Bulgaria
JUNE 20
Men in fashion
Milan Menswear Week begins (until June 24), exhibiting the spring and summer collections of leading designers.
Acropolis museum opens
The inauguration of the New Acropolis museum in Athens takes place in the presence of Karolos Papoulias, president of Greece. The museum, which will house remains from the ancient Acropolis site, was designed by architect Bernard Tschumi.
Lions face South Africa
The British and Irish Lions play the first of their three rugby union internationals against world champions South Africa, in Durban.
Gay pride in New York
New York Gay Pride Week (until June 28) begins with a rally at Bryant Park.
FT report
Wine Investment
JUNE 21
Festival of advertising
Cannes Lions, the international advertising festival, offers seven days of discussion, debate and training for those in the marketing and advertising sector. Speakers include David Plouffe, Barack Obama’s campaign manager; Google’s Eric Schmidt; Sir Martin Sorrell of WPP; and Steve Ballmer of Microsoft.
Speaker steps down
Michael Martin steps down as Speaker of the UK’s House of Commons following the MPs’ expenses scandal. MPs will elect his successor the following day.
Disaster management
The World Conference on Disaster Management opens in Toronto (until June 24), bringing together experts in emergency management and business continuity, and relevant service and product suppliers.
Silverstone’s final lap
The British Grand Prix is run at Silverstone for the last time. Next year the Formula One motor race is due to switch to the Donington Park track.
Summer solstice marked
The summer solstice is celebrated at Stonehenge, England’s most famous stone circle.
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