Politics and Governance

G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for 17 to 19 April 2024

The Group of 7(G7) foreign ministers meeting is scheduled from 17 to 19 April in the Italian city of Capri. It will prioritise addressing key global challenges such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and terrorism. With a focus on delivering a peace message for Gaza, discussions will delve into efforts for peace, particularly following previous gatherings. The agenda also includes tackling terrorism and fostering stability in regions like the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific, specifically concerning Taiwan’s tense situation. Inviting Brazil, India, and Mauritania reflects a broader engagement strategy. Objective: Foster international cooperation, analyse pressing issues, and seek progress through shared insights and commitments.

India’s 2024 General Elections are scheduled for 19 April to 1 June 2024

The 2024 Indian general election, scheduled from 19 April to 1 June 2024, is organised across 28 states and 8 territories and involves seven phases of voting, making it the second-longest electoral process since India’s independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term amidst challenges centred on unemployment, economic performance, farmers’ issues, and contentious citizenship laws. Criticisms include concerns over rising hate incidents against minorities. With over 2,400 political parties involved, the election, termed the “biggest festival of democracy,” navigates logistical hurdles in India’s diverse terrain. Modi’s campaign emphasises economic growth and a Hindu-first agenda, aiming for a historic electoral victory.

Defence and Security

NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting scheduled from 3 to 4 April 2024

A meeting of the Allied Foreign Affairs ministers will be held from 3 to 4 April 2024 at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Brussels, chaired by the Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg. Coincidentally, established on 4 April 1949, NATO will mark 75 years as the first peacetime military alliance, the primary objective of which has been to safeguard the freedom and security of its member states, particularly European nations, through political and military means. Furthermore, this year’s agenda for the Foreign Ministers Meeting will revolve around prioritising Ukraine, especially after forming a NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC) in last year’s meeting.

Pakistan’s 8^th Global Security Symposium scheduled for 17 April 2024

The 8th Global Security Symposium, commencing on 16 April, will be hosted by Pakistan on 17 April 2024 in Lahore. Besides Pakistan, the list of host countries/regions includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the European Union (EU), and the United States (US). Backed by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, this symposium addresses cybersecurity issues and their global threats. It also explores solutions and insights for developing an effective security strategy to counter future cyber hazards. Considering the main theme being “Zero Trust Security | Strive for Assurance: Verify, Never Assume,” the symposium offers a forum for conversations, perspectives, and cooperative endeavours to strengthen cybersecurity measures within Pakistan.

European Defence & Security Summit scheduled for 17 April 2024

The 7th European Defence and Security Summit is scheduled on 17 April 2024 in Brussels, under the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) and European Business Summits. The event will focus on the defence industrial aspect of European security, bringing together leaders and professionals from various sectors, including national governments, EU institutions, NATO, industries, and armed forces. The discussions will center on how Europe can effectively address contemporary security challenges amidst current tensions in Ukraine-Russia and the Middle East and the transnational effects of the upcoming US elections on the region.

Trade and Economics

Pakistan’s International Monetary Fund Stand-By Arrangement will Expire in April 2024

The 9-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) expires in April 2024, following the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board’s decision to allocate $3 billion to Pakistan amid its challenging economic circumstances. The program aimed to assist Pakistan in achieving debt sustainability, stabilising the exchange rate, and implementing structural reforms. After receiving the first instalment of $1.9 billion in January of this year, the IMF reached a preliminary staff-level agreement with Pakistan’s newly elected government for the final payment under the $3 billion bailout package. The remaining $1.1 billion will become available after receiving final approval from the IMF executive board.

Finland Pakistan Business Summit scheduled for 23 to 25 April 2024

The Finland Pakistan Business Summit (FPBS) 2024 will host tens of Finnish companies and institutions and approximately 100 Pakistani companies for new business opportunities, trade, investments, and networking on 23 April in Islamabad and 25 April in Karachi. The Finland Pakistan Business Council, founded in 1985, is a non-profit, non-political organisation that hosts the FPBS with the aim to promote trade, business, and investments between Finland and Pakistan. It is one of the longest-running and consistently operating business councils focused on Pakistan globally. Moreover, the Honourable Consulate General of Pakistan in Finland collaborates closely with FPBC to facilitate trade and enhance relations between Pakistan and Finland.

Social Issues

55th Regular Session of Human Rights Council scheduled for 26 February to 5 April 2024

The fifty-fifth regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is scheduled from 26 February to 5 April 2024 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The objectives of this session include discussing recent human rights developments globally, conducting interactive dialogues on various human rights issues, and considering reports on specific countries. The session aims to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. It expects participating members to engage and adopt a multilateral effort to address religious differences, show empathy towards disabled individuals, acknowledge and uphold the rights of children, and combat racial discrimination, among other broader topics under discussion.

23rd Session of United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues scheduled for 15 to 26 April 2024

The 23rd Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII 23) is scheduled from 15 April to 26 April 2024. The theme for this session is “Enhancing Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Self-Determination in the Context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with an Emphasis on the Voices of Indigenous Youth.” The UNPFII was established by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in July 2000 to globally acknowledge and address the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, the upcoming forum aims to facilitate dialogue in economic and social development, culture, environment, education, health, and human rights, which are part of its permanent mandate.

Energy and Environment

United Nations General Assembly Sustainability Week is scheduled for 15 to 19 April 2024

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) will conduct Sustainability Week from 15 April to 19 April 2024 at the UN headquarters in New York. This event is of significant importance as it marks the inaugural Sustainability Week aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Furthermore, this week-long global conference aims to foster thematic dialogues surrounding “localising the SDGs,” indicating a primary focus on promoting sustainable development while addressing economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The themes of this year’s conference will revolve around promoting sustainable practices in tourism, energy, infrastructure, transportation, and global governance and equality.

G7’s Ministerial Meeting on Climate, Energy and Environment scheduled for 28 to 30 April 2024

The G7’s  Ministerial Meeting on Climate, Energy, and Environment was held from 28 to 30 April 2024 under the Italian G7 Presidency in Turin. This meeting is part of the 20 Ministerial Meetings held in Italy across several cities. Additionally, the meeting will coincide with discussions from previous years on adopting strategies and policies to achieve sustainable goals. Last year, the seven nations addressed climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, land degradation, and the energy crisis, agreeing to pursue the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through progressive steps.