| September 16–22 | Portugal's economic progress comes under scrutiny; important elections are contested in Germany, Rwanda and Swaziland; and China hosts informal talks on N Korea; bridge champions try their hands in Bali
• Companies week ahead: http://www.ft.com/companies/weekahead
• Economic Outlook: Fed chiefs face decision on QE [http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/34b6bf3e-1c5c-11e3-a8a3-00144feab7de.html]
• See a full guide to the week's economic data: http://markets.ft.com/research/economic-calendar
Monday – September 16
Syria situation report
The UN Human Rights Council in Geneva hears about the situation in Syria from the Independent Commission of Inquiry.
Trade conference
The UK presidency of the G8 leading industrial nations, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Islamic Development Bank hold a Deauville Partnership Investment Conference in London to boost trade and investment in Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya, Jordan and Yemen.
Rwanda goes to the polls
A parliamentary election starts in Rwanda in which 80 members are returned, with the results expected by September 25.
Portuguese progress
Representatives from the International Monetary Fund, EU and European Central Bank visit Portugal for two weeks to review the €78bn bailout programme.
Transport agenda
Transport ministers from the 28 EU states attend a meeting of the transport, telecoms and energy council in Lithuania today.
9/11 hearings resume
Five people accused of involvement in the September 11 2011 World Trade Center attacks are expected to face the next set of pre-trial hearings at Guantánamo Bay (to September 20).
Trafficking mission
Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, the UN special rapporteur on people trafficking, especially of women and children, who is a Nigerian barrister, continues her visit to Italy and will present a report to the Human Rights Council next year (to September 20).
Duggan inquest held
A full inquest into the death of Mark Duggan takes place in London's High Court. The death of Mr Dugan, 29, who was killed by armed police officers in north London, sparked a demonstration that turned into riots across the UK capital and other cities. The inquest is expected to last up to three months.
Big issues
Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi visits Prague for Forum 2000, which explores issues facing civilisation and avoiding conflict escalation (to September 17).
Switching services
The UK Treasury comments on the launch of the current account switch service which is designed to make changing from one bank or building society to another simpler.
Shaping the future
The London Design Festival comprises more than 300 events and exhibitions by partner organisations across the design spectrum (to September 22).
Championship hands
The World Bridge Championships take place in Bali in which the Bermuda Bowl winners become world champions (to September 29).
Tuesday – September 17
UN security roles
The UN Security Council meeting in New York will consider the Middle East, having on Monday discussed its support mission in Libya.
Designer drugs guidelines
The European Commission presents proposals to strengthen the EU's ability to respond to so-called legal highs, or psychoactive substances used instead of illicit drugs.
Serving up Picassos
More than 100 ceramics by Picasso, including plates, vases, jugs, bowls and tiles, are part of a sale that includes other artists at Sotheby's in London where they are estimated to fetch up to £15,000 each.
California drive time
Grand Theft Auto V from series creators Rockstar North is launched for video gamers using Xbox 360 and PlayStation3. Set in southern California, it features on its soundtrack Rihanna, Britney Spears and Sir Elton John.
Wednesday – September 18
Finance summit
The Istanbul Finance Summit provides a platform for discussion on the future of world finance (to September 19).
Pensions revamp
A draft law is presented to the French cabinet in an attempt to reform a debt-riddled pension system as Socialist President François Hollande takes a slowly-slowly approach to reform.
Co-operative movement
Merits and faults of the co-operative business model are compared in a JustShare panel discussion at St James's Church, Piccadilly, London. JustShare is a coalition of churches and agencies engaging with the City of London on issues of global and economic injustice.
Beijing talks on talks
China hosts informal talks on the potential resumption of six-party Korean talks in Beijing aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to security concerns arising from the North Korean nuclear weapons programme.
Healthy shape and style
Beat, the UK eating disorder charity, and clothing retailer ASOS hold a positive body image summit which includes a contribution from model Georgina Wilkin.
Thursday – September 19
Moon festivities
China's mid-autumn Moon Festival is celebrated with feasts and dragon dances.
Friday – September 20
Swazis vote
A second round of parliamentary elections takes place in the kingdom of Swaziland, where all candidates stand as independents. Mana Mavimbela, 18, banned from nomination because she wore jeans, has won a High Court case to have her name on ballot papers.
Beach wildlife watch
Hermanus Whale Festival in South Africa includes spring whale watching, music, comedy, crafts and African rhythms (to September 24).
Sunday – September 22
Merkel to the fore
German chancellor Angela Merkel is favourite to be returned to office for a third term in elections.
Hit the Italian roads
Teams saddle up for the Cycling Road World Championships in Tuscany (to September 29). Cycling has been confirmed as a core Olympic discipline.
Distance feat
Cape Town Marathon and 10k is raced in the city.
Hot wheels
The Singapore Grand Prix takes place at Marina Bay Street Circuit.
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