“Humanizing” investments in the extractive industries in Africa through the IFC’s sustainability policies

International financial institutions face enormous challenges in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs). They finance infrastructure projects, manage vast investment portfolios, offer advisory services, and contribute to economic development in EMDEs. In the process, they areexposed to huge risks and face reputational damage if they act recklessly or have little or no regard for their projects’ adverse impacts on thirdparties. In the context of natural resource exploitation in Africa, the weak governance of environmental and social risks often results in devastating consequences for communities proximate to investment projects. Promises of infrastructure and social services, job opportunities and economic boom have only often delivered land grabs, forced displacement, cultural infringements, environmental pollution, conflicts, health disasters, misery and sometimes deaths. As calls for greater corporate scrutiny increase, investment project facilitators in the extractive industries like the International Finance Corporation (IFC) must respond appropriately. To preserve its reputation and long-term market access, the IFC needs to apply a higher degree of due diligence and sustainable business conduct that proactively treat risks and limit its exposure. With the rising number of complaints against IFC policy compliance, including projects tainted by scandals and the debarment of companies from accessing international finance, this article demonstrates that merely promoting sustainable investment policies on paper is inadequate. Using a human rights-centred approach to development project financing, the article critically assesses the extent to which the implementation of the IFC’s sustainability  framework can practicably protect resource-rich communities, safeguard human rights and ensure sustainable development outcomes in Africa. Keywords: Extractive Industries, Human rights, Project Financing, IFC, Compliance, Sustainable Development

Pakhtun Social Structure and Its Impacts on Womenas Education

The current study analyze the social structural dimension of Pakhtun society emphasizing on the cultural economic physical religious and political factors to women s education A quantitative approach was adopted and the data was collected from 323 male and female respondents of eight Union Councils of District Dir lower using stratified random sampling proportionate method and interview schedule The data was analyzed using SPSS and discussion was made over the collected data The empirical results show that there exists a strong relationship between the structural impediments including system of patriarchy male dominance customs and traditions religious misinterpretation feudalism etc and women s education The analysis further suggested that a comprehensive strategy including provision of education the role of mass media policy making in regard to women s empowerment and religious knowledge and the role of religious leader is basic for brining equality at the educational sphere

Letter from the Chairman of the Summer School Committee

Letter concerning a circular for the summer school

Approach to diffuse parenchymal lung disease (interstitial lung disease) for the Hospitalist

Diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLD, historically known as interstitial lung diseases) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that are uncommon and grouped together for their similarity in one or more clinical, radiological, and pathological findings. There is no universally acceptable classification system yet for such a varied group of diseases and hence impossible to have one unified diagnostic pathway. Diagnostic work up requires that the clinician have an initial list of differential diagnoses based on a thorough history and clinical evaluation. For acutely progressive diseases such as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, urgent evaluation is necessary so that appropriate therapy can be quickly instituted; whereas, for the chronic progressive diseases like idiopathic interstitial pneumonia most of the evaluation can be done in the ambulatory setting. The decision for bronchoscopy and surgical lung biopsy should be individualized by incorporating informed decision making due to large variations in practice patterns among clinicians. Below is a brief summary of the most likely diseases to be encountered in hospital medicine practice.Dennis Chairman (Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Infectious Diseases, University of Missouri)Includes bibliographical reference

Optimize Your Career Path in an Intelligent Way

Students in the age group of 15-20 usually are at cross road, unable to decide about their career. This article will help them to find out their strength and weaknesses and willingness and their choice