The Globalist Podcast (December 7, 2023) – The rise of Islamist extremism in the Sahel region of Africa and Christina Lamb examines widespread reports that rape was used as a tool of terror in the Hamas attacks.
Plus: the latest from Cop 28, the future of luxury travel and Portugal unveils plans for a new Lisbon airport.
0:15 Kiel is Germany’s first zero-waste city –Kiel has put 107 waste-reducing measures in place. They include practical changes, such as ‘pay-to-throw’, a scheme in which households pay a fee for the amount of landfill waste they generate. Other measures include recycling collection ‘islands’ around the city, discounts for shoppers who bring their own containers and banning disposable products at all city events.
1:33 Gender balanced companies outperform others – According to a BlackRock study of 1,250 of the world’s biggest companies. Over the past decade, the companies with the most equal gender balance achieved a 7.7% average annual return on assets (RoA). Those with the highest share of men delivered a 5.6% RoA, while those with the highest share of women returned a 6.1% RoA. The study concluded it was ‘diversity that counts’ rather than the dominance of a single gender.
3:08 US wants to convert empty offices into homes – The government will offer funding and technical support to help cities turn unused workspaces into affordable apartments. US office vacancy rates have hit a 30-year peak as more staff clock in to work remotely. Meanwhile, rents in the country remain at historic highs after a surge during the pandemic converting offices to apartments can be challenging.
4:48 Rwanda and Kenya open borders to other Africans – Rwanda and Kenya have made significant strides in promoting African unity by opening their borders to other Africans, enabling visa-free travel for all citizens of the continent. This move positions Rwanda as the fourth African nation to remove such restrictions, following Benin, The Gambia, and Seychelles. Kenya is set to join them on December 31, 2023.
_____________________________________________
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
Much depends on its offensive in Gaza—and its politicians and neighbours
Briefing
The miscalculations of Israel’s and Gaza’s leaders are being laid bare
‘Editor’s Picks’ Podcast (October 9, 2023) – A selection of three essential articles read aloud from the latest issue of The Economist. This week, are free markets history? Also, why Africans are losing faith in democracy (10:25) and we investigate whether bitcoin originally leaked from an American spy lab? (17:25)
Governments are jettisoning the principles that made the world rich
The alternatives will undoubtedly be worse
His successor should seek cross-party support to keep funding the war
The Globalist Podcast (October 5, 2023) – What’s on the agenda for Ukraine as leaders from the European Political Community meet.
Also in the program: following Kevin McCarthy’s ejection as House Speaker, Jim Jordan throws his name in the hat. Plus: the latest with papers and why French workers are leading the way when it comes to returning to the office.
The Globalist Podcast (October 4, 2023) – Kevin McCarthy is ousted as speaker of the US House of Representatives: Now what?
Plus: Thailand’s prime minister maps out his foreign policy ambitions, the latest business news, Mali’s escalating crisis and a special interview with the British Film Institute’s new festivals director.
Boomers Daily 