Uruguay's Universidad de la República (UdelaR) in Montevideo, has joined the Virtual Institute network as its 27th core university member, bringing the number of Latin American Vi members to six.

UdelaR has already begun its work with the Vi, taking part in the joint research projects on Regional Integration in Latin America and on Corporate Social Responsibility.

African academics, researchers and policy-makers are invited to apply by November 14 for the next UNCTAD regional course on Key International Economic Issues. The course will be held from 25 January to 12 February, 2009 in Cairo, Egypt.

Virtual Institute members from the region may also apply to participate as resource persons, by submitting a proposal (see guidelines) no later than Ocotber 31.

Professor Malick Sané, of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Management of Cheikh Anta Diop University, reports an impressive 77.27% success rate for the first promotion of the Professional Master in International Trade Policy and Negotiations.

The Masters, launched in April of last year, admitted 25 students, 22 of whom completed the four required instructional modules covering international trade, international economics, international negotiations and the role of enterprises in international trade. The 17 successful candidates will now defend a thesis or internship report -- a required element to receive the "Master 2" diploma.

The Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú has today become the Virtual Institute's fifth Latin American member -- along with Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia. The admission of Perú brings the total number of Vi core university members to 26.

Located in Lima, the 90-year-old institution, offers vocational, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to a student body of approximately 18,000.

The 12th African Oil and Gas, Trade and Finance Conference and Exhibition will be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 4–7 November 2008.

A call for papers on topical issues, such as energy information systems for Africa, energy security, revenue management and sustainable natural resource development has been issued, and short abstracts (300 words) will be accepted until August 29.