The week ahead
February 16-22
Clinton visits Asia; Brussels conference on global economic governance; Ben Bernanke in Press Club address; Barack Obama heads to Canada; US governors gather; Oscar ceremony takes place in LA
Monday
FEBRUARY 16
Clinton to visit Asia
In her first trip abroad since taking office, Hillary Clinton, US secretary of state, travels to Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and China (to February 22).
Outsourcing expo
The two-day Outsourcing World Summit, organised by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, opens in California. The event is aimed at chief executives, entrepreneurs, investors, government officials and those who influence policy.
Magic clothing
A four-day international fashion trade event, Magic Marketplace, begins in Las Vegas. It attracts global buyers, sellers and suppliers of men's, women's and children's clothing and accessories.
Mobile phone event
The GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (to February 19), which claims to be the world's largest trade show for the mobile phone industry, is expected to attract 50,000 visitors.
Climate discussions
The 25th session of the governing council and global ministerial environment forum of the United Nations Environment Programme opens at the UN's office in Nairobi (to February 20).
Presidents' Day
Financial markets across the US will close on what was originally a federal holiday in honour of George Washington's birthday – now commonly called Presidents' Day.
Tuesday
FEBRUARY 17
Global economic summit
Brussels hosts a European Commission-sponsored conference, "Global economic governance: systemic challenges, institutional responses, and the role of new actors". Speakers are invited from the Group of Eight industrialised countries and emerging nations.
Russia-Georgia talks
Representatives from Georgia, Russia, the European Union, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the United Nations meet for two days in Geneva. They will resume talks following the conflict between Georgia and Russia last year over the disputed territory of South Ossetia.
Talks on Chemical weapons
The executive council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which oversees implementation of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, meets for three days of discussions in The Hague.
UN's Darfur consultations
The United Nations Security Council is to discuss its efforts – made in conjunction with the African Union – to relieve the humanitarian crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Digital switchover
Some US television stations are likely to stop analogue broadcasts and begin digital-only transmissions. The remaining stations will cease broadcasting on analogue between March 14 and June 12, the final deadline for terminating analogue broadcasts under legislation passed by Congress.
Wednesday
FEBRUARY 18
Bernanke press lunch
Ben Bernanke, chairman of the Federal Reserve, will discuss the state of economy at a National Press Club luncheon in Washington DC.
Marine audience
The Dublin Boat Show (to February 22) features the latest boats, gear, gadgets, clothing, products and information on water sports and boating holidays.
Global security forum
The EastWest Institute, the G8 and the World Customs Organisation have jointly arranged the sixth two-day annual Worldwide Security Conference in Brussels. The aim is to make government, business and civil society act collectively on matters of global security.
Thursday
FEBRUARY 19
Obama goes to Ottawa
Barack Obama, US president, visits his country's northern neighbour. He will meet Stephen Harper, Canada's prime minister. The economic situation is likely to dominate discussions.
Energy agenda
Sustainability, security of supply and competitiveness will be on the agenda at the European Union's energy council meeting in Brussels.
Nato defence meeting
Bogdan Klich, Poland's defence minister, hosts a meeting of his north Atlantic defence alliance counterparts in Krakow. Plans for a Nato-wide missile defence programme are likely to be debated.
Nuclear issues
Representatives from China, North Korea, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US meet in Moscow for the latest round of six-party talks on North Korean nuclear issues. Discussions in Beijing in December reached an impasse over how North Korea's declaration of its nuclear activities should be verified.
Gieve's farewell address
Sir John Gieve gives his last speech as a deputy governor of the Bank of England at the London School of Economics. He will discuss some of the key lessons of the economic crisis for policymakers and outline potential improvements that could be made to the framework and tools available to policymakers.
Saturday
FEBRUARY 21
Governors gather
A bipartisan group of about 50 governors from the US states, commonwealths and territories get together for three days of meetings in Washington DC. The National Governors Association's winter meeting will consider recent economic trends round the country.
Sunday
FEBRUARY 22
Oscars night
The US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences holds its annual awards ceremony in Los Angeles. X-Men star Hugh Jackman presents the event. Contenders for Oscars include actress Kate Winslett while Slumdog Millionaire is nominated for best picture.
Voyage of Discovery
The US space shuttle Discovery is expected to launch from Florida for a 14-day visit to the International Space Station. The mission is to include four spacewalks.
preview@ft.com
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