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Announcing the shortlist for the 2024 Lionel Gelber Prize

Five titles being considered for best non-fiction book on international affairs published in English
TORONTO, WASHINGTON, LONDON and ROME, Feb. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The shortlist for the 2024 Lionel Gelber Prize shortlist has been selected by an international panel of practitioners, journalists and scholars. This will be the 34th awarding of the prize, which honours the world’s best book on international affairs published in English. The winner will receive $50,000 CAD and will be chosen from the following five titles:
- Power and Progress: Our 1000-year struggle over technology and prosperity, Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson (PublicAffairs, Hatchette Book Group)
- Underground Empire: How America weaponized the world economy, Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman (Macmillan, Henry Holt and Co. U.S.A.; Allen Lane, an imprint of Penguin Press, U.K.)
- Homelands: A personal history of Europe, Timothy Garton Ash (Yale University Press)
- Seven Crashes: The economic crises that shaped globalization, Harold James (Yale University Press)
- We, The Data: Human rights in the digital age, Wendy H. Wong (MIT Press)
“The jury has chosen five books that explore topics critical to our understanding of the forces that influence the global economy and international cooperation,” said Judith Gelber, Chair of the Lionel Gelber Prize Board. “They each exemplify the values of the Lionel Gelber Prize with elegant writing on important issues.”
This year’s shortlist was selected by the 2024 Lionel Gelber Prize Jury: Prof. Janice Gross Stein (Jury Chair), Prof. Rosa Brooks (Washington), Prof. Francis J. Gavin (Washington), Iain Martin (London) and Eric Reguly (Rome).
Winner Announcement:
The winner will be announced on March 6, 2024. The winning author will take part in a hybrid event hosted by the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy on March 25, 2024.
About The Lionel Gelber Prize:
The Lionel Gelber Prize, a literary award for the world’s best non-fiction book on international affairs published in English, was founded in 1989 by Canadian diplomat Lionel Gelber. A cash prize of $50,000 CAD is awarded to the winner. The award is presented annually by University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. For further information, please visit: https://gelber.munkschool.utoronto.ca/ or follow @gelberprize on Facebook and Twitter.
The 2024 Lionel Gelber Prize – Shortlisted Books and Authors
Power and Progress: Our 1000-year struggle over technology and prosperity, Daron Acemoglu and Simon Johnson (PublicAffairs, Hatchette Book Group)
About the authors:
Daron Acemoglu is Institute Professor of Economics at MIT, the university’s highest faculty honor. For the last twenty-five years, he has been researching the historical origins of prosperity, poverty, and the effects of new technologies on economic growth, employment, and inequality. Acemoglu is the recipient of several awards and honors, including the John Bates Clark Medal, awarded to economists under forty judged to have made the most significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge (2005); the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award in economics, finance, and management for his lifetime contributions (2016), and the Kiel Institute’s Global Economy Prize in economics (2019). He is author (with James Robinson) of The Narrow Corridor and the New York Times bestseller Why Nations Fail.
Simon Johnson is the Ronald A. Kurtz Professor of Entrepreneurship in the Sloan School at MIT, where he is also head of the Global Economics and Management group. Previously chief economist at the International Monetary Fund, he has worked on global economic crises and recoveries for thirty years. Johnson has published more than 300 high-impact pieces in leading publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and Financial Times. He is author (with Jon Gruber) of Jump-Starting America, and (with James Kwak) of White House Burning and the national bestseller 13 Bankers. He works with entrepreneurs, elected officials, and civil society organizations around the world.
Underground Empire: How America weaponized the world economy, Henry Farrell and Abraham Newman (Macmillan, Henry Holt and Co. U.S.A.; Allen Lane, an imprint of Penguin Press, U.K.)
About the authors:
Henry Farrell is the SNF Agora Professor at Johns Hopkins SAIS, the 2019 winner of the Friedrich Schiedel Prize for Politics and Technology, Editor-in-Chief of The Monkey Cage at The Washington Post, and co-founder of the popular academic blog, Crooked Timber. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Farrell has written for publications such as The New York Times, the Financial Times, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The Washington Monthly, The Boston Review, Aeon, New Scientist, and The Nation.
Abraham L. Newman is a professor at the School of Foreign Service and Government Department at Georgetown University. Known for his research on the politics generated by globalization, he serves as a frequent commentator on international affairs, appearing on news programs ranging from Al Jazeera to Deutsche Welle and NPR. His work has been published in leading outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Nature, Science, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Harvard Business Review, and Politico.
Homelands: A personal history of Europe, Timothy Garton Ash (Yale University Press)
About the author: Timothy Garton Ash is professor of European studies at the University of Oxford and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. His books include The Magic Lantern, his eyewitness account of the revolutions of 1989; The File: A Personal History, based on reading his own Stasi file; and History of the Present. He lives in Oxford, England.
Seven Crashes: The economic crises that shaped globalization, Harold James (Yale University Press)
About the author: Harold James is the Claude and Lore Kelly Professor in European Studies and professor of history and international affairs at Princeton University. He is the author of numerous books, most recently The War of Words: A Glossary of Globalization (Yale, 2021) and Making a Modern Central Bank: The Bank of England 1979–2003 (Cambridge, 2020).
We, The Data: Human rights in the digital age, Wendy Wong (MIT Press)
About the author: Wendy H. Wong is a Professor of Political Science and Principal’s Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan. She is the author of two award-winning books: Internal Affairs: How the Structure of NGOs Transforms Human Rights and (with Sarah S. Stroup) The Authority Trap: Strategic Choices of International NGOs.
Lani Krantz, Communications and Media Relations Specialist, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto, +1 (647) 407-4384 (text preferred), [email protected]
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Nucleus Synapse 2025 Ignites the Human-AI Alliance as the Middle East Leads the Charge in AI-Powered Banking

DUBAI, UAE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Middle East isn’t just adopting digital transformation—it’s engineering the future of banking with bold leadership, smart regulation, and rapid AI investment. It is in this spirit of transformation that Nucleus Software convened Synapse 2025 – Middle East, held at the iconic Taj Exotic Resorts, The Palm, Dubai, uniting visionary banking leaders, technologists, and innovators to shape the Human-AI Alliance. More than just a gathering, Synapse 2025 was a catalyst for dialogue, strategy, and co-creation—anchored in the belief that the fusion of human insight and AI is the foundation of next-generation finance.
Mr. Vishnu R. Dusad, Managing Director & Co-founder of Nucleus Software, opened the event with an inspiring address that beautifully captured the spirit of the gathering—a celebration of enduring partnerships, innovation, and shared aspirations. With heartfelt reflections on Nucleus Software’s journey and a forward-looking vision rooted in technological purpose and human-centric progress, his words set a thoughtful and energizing tone for the day, reminding everyone of the power of collaboration in shaping the future of banking. “At Nucleus, we are committed to building solutions that are not just future-ready but future-defining,” he shared. “The Middle East is leading this transformation—bold, visionary, and driven by clear ambition. We are honoured to contribute to this journey.”
A compelling keynote was delivered by Mr. Jamal Saleh, Director General of the UAE Banks Federation (UBF), whose address illuminated the UAE’s transformative journey in digital finance. Highlighting the expansion of UBF from 46 to 62 member banks—now representing nearly the entire balance sheet of the UAE banking sector—Mr. Saleh reaffirmed the Federation’s leadership in driving regulatory innovation and AI adoption. Citing over 40 nationwide banking transformation initiatives inspired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s mobile-first government vision, Mr. Saleh underscored that “AI is no longer a buzzword—it is becoming the bloodstream of modern banking.” He emphasized the essential role of cybersecurity, trusted regulations, and human oversight in this evolution, and projected with confidence that the UAE would exceed its goal of doubling the digital economy’s GDP contribution by 2030—with partners like Nucleus Software playing a crucial role.
The day’s dialogue was further enriched by two dynamic panel discussions. In the business-focused session, thought leaders Shoaib Rizvi (SVP, Group Head of Digital Products, Emirates NBD), Sudarshan Seshadri (Head of Retail Banking, National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain), Ahmed Mourad (COO, Astratech), and Suvo Sarkar (Banking Industry Leader & Host of Money Majlis) explored how human insight, powered by AI, is transforming the very fabric of banking. “Customer centricity is no longer optional—it’s programmable,” said Rizvi, while Seshadri noted that “AI is our co-pilot, not our competitor.” Moderated by Anshul Khare, Director, Products & Business Solutions at Nucleus Software, the panel emphasized that trust, agility, and hyper-personalization are central to next-generation growth.
In the technology dialogue, leaders Nitin Bhargava (COO, Al Masraf Bank), Fozi Sultan (Head of IT & Projects, Deem Finance), and Shino Thomas (Head of Technology Operations, mBank), offered deep insights into how AI-native infrastructure is being engineered today to enable scale and speed. From real-time intelligence to modular, cloud-first platforms, the panel, steered by Mohamed Roshdy (CIO, Reem Finance), affirmed that the early-mover advantage in AI development lies in bold execution and a clear architectural vision.
One of the most anticipated moments of the event was the fireside chat with Chris Taylor, CEO of Deem Finance. In a rare and personal conversation, Taylor revealed how his passion for endurance sports has shaped his leadership philosophy—one rooted in discipline, clarity, and sustained execution. Moderated by Mr. Ashwani Arora, Global Head – Customer Success at Nucleus Software, the discussion highlighted Deem’s transformation journey, including its $400M securitization achievement and the remarkable shift from 80% manual to 60% automated interactions. “The biggest barrier to doing the right thing with AI is resistance born out of fear,” Taylor stated, while applauding Nucleus Software’s seamless platform implementation of FinnOne Neo® Collections as a benchmark ‘green-to-green’ transformation.
As the event drew to a close, Mr. Parag Bhise, CEO & Executive Director of Nucleus Software, delivered a powerful closing note, thanking the distinguished participants and reaffirming the company’s commitment to co-creating the future of finance. “We leave here with stronger bonds, sharper perspectives, and a shared determination to lead this Human-AI era with integrity, intelligence, and impact,” he said.
The Middle East is rapidly emerging as a global epicenter for AI-driven banking innovation. Guided by visionary leadership, progressive regulation, and strategic investments in digital infrastructure, the region is redefining the future of financial services. It is against this dynamic backdrop that Nucleus Software hosted Synapse 2025 – Middle East, bringing together stalwarts from across the banking and fintech ecosystem to shape the future of responsible, AI-powered finance. The event was a powerful declaration of what lies ahead. A bold leap into a future where human potential and artificial intelligence work in harmony, not in competition, as collaborative engines of progress.
To know more, please visit https://www.nucleussoftware.com/
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HR Path Expands Presence with the Acquisition of smahrt consulting AG in Switzerland, Experts in HR-IT Consulting, Implementation and Outsourcing
PARIS, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HR Path, a global leader in HR consulting and HRIS solutions, is proud to announce its strategic acquisition of smahrt consulting AG, a Swiss-based company specializing in HR-IT consulting, implementation and outsourcing. Especially within the SAP product portfolio.
With a presence in 28 countries and a team of over 2,500 professionals, HR Path is a trusted partner for businesses navigating the complexities of Human Resources. Specializing in advisory, implementation, and operational services, HR Path delivers cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance efficiency and foster growth. Since its founding in 2001, the company has remained steadfast in its mission to transform HR practices globally.
Founded in 2007, smahrt has built a strong reputation for delivering high quality project with the solutions of SAP HCM, SAP SuccessFactors and suitable add-ons from third-party providers or smahrt’s own development. However, not only the depth solution expertise makes smahrt outstanding, but also the excellent know-how in integrating peripheral systems. This enables the HR department to focus on its core tasks and handle administrative tasks digitally and efficiently.
This acquisition represents a significant milestone for HR Path, solidifying its position as a leader in the HR industry and expanding its presence in Switzerland. smahrt’s specialized focus on HR-IT perfectly complements HR Path’s vision of driving organizational growth and excellence through strategic HR solutions.
According to Ato Anderson, Partner at HR Path, this move is “not just a strategic expansion, it’s a people-focused evolution.” He continues, “With smahrt joining HR Path, we are establishing a new powerhouse in the Swiss HR-IT landscape, combining depth of experience with a shared commitment to excellence. Together, we are expanding our service offering while unlocking exciting new opportunities for our clients and our people. This marks the beginning of a new chapter where innovation, impact, and growth will shape the future of HR in the region.”
PDF: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2673328/HR_Path_Expands.pdf
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2673313/5287055/HR_Path_smahrt_Logo.jpg
CONTACT: Fabienne LATOUR – [email protected]
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How to Become a Utility Trailer Dealer

JINING, China, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Becoming a utility trailer dealer offers a rewarding opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to serve local businesses and build steady income. Drawing from years of real-world experience, James Ge, founder of Rhinotrail, shares the essential steps for launching a successful dealership.
Understand Industry and Local Demand
Starting with a clear understanding of the trailer industry is critical. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to study the needs of local customers, from landscapers and contractors to farmers and municipalities. Regional trends and seasonal demands can shape inventory planning and sales strategies.
Handle Licensing, Insurance, and Compliance
Legal setup must be a priority. Dealers need to register their business, obtain appropriate dealer licenses, and secure insurance coverage. Requirements vary by state and county, making early research with local DMV or DOT offices essential. Proper compliance protects the business and builds trust with customers from the start.
Build Strong Manufacturer Partnerships
Establishing partnerships with trusted manufacturers gives dealers access to reliable inventory and competitive pricing. Visiting production facilities, reviewing warranty policies, and understanding minimum order expectations help future dealers select manufacturers who support their long-term success.
Choose a Strategic Sales Location
A dealership’s location should offer high visibility, easy accessibility, and appropriate zoning for trailer sales. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to start lean by renting space if necessary, focusing on clear organization and professional presentation of inventory to attract buyers.
Manage Inventory Smartly and Focus on Marketing
Starting with popular trailer types, such as utility, dump, and enclosed models, allows new dealers to meet common customer needs without overextending capital. Marketing efforts should include a mobile-friendly website, listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, and local partnerships to build brand visibility.
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service and Financing Options
Strong customer service creates loyalty and word-of-mouth growth. Dealers who offer clear advice, transparent pricing, and after-sale support quickly differentiate themselves. Offering financing options through local banks or finance companies helps expand the customer base by making larger purchases more accessible.
James Ge and Rhinotrail believe that becoming a utility trailer dealer is a practical and achievable business move for entrepreneurs ready to take action.
Entrepreneurs ready to build their own dealership can contact Rhinotrail today to explore reliable trailer solutions and expert support.
For more information, contact:
Rhinotrail
Website: rhinotrail.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +65 97708910
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/how-to-become-a-utility-trailer-dealer-302440569.html
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