Politics and Governance

Serbian Parliamentary Elections will be held on 17 December 2023

Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić has declared snap parliamentary elections on 17 December 2023, the third such vote in three and a half years. Vučić gave in to the opposition’s demands for snap elections, including in Belgrade and Vojvodina. He was facing pressure from the opposition and protests that were sparked after two deadly mass shootings. The protesters called on the government to resign after these incidents. The elections, seen as a watershed moment, seek to give the people a say in future policies for the nation. Vučić, re-elected in April 2022, is trying to negotiate obstacles in the face of escalating political unrest.

Democratic Republic of the Congo Election scheduled on 20 December 2023

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced 20 December 2023 as the date for the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections despite challenges such as armed group activity, logistical issues, and health concerns. The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) aims to uphold constitutional deadlines, and the government has allocated 600 million dollars for the elections. Despite ongoing unrest and a history of electoral delays, the DRC government is committed to democratic processes. Incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi is expected to run for re-election—the nation, with a history of electoral complexities, braces for another pivotal political transition.

Defence and Security

DoDIIS Worldwide Conference will be held from 12 to 14 December 2023

The Department of Defense Intelligence Information System (DoDIIS) Worldwide Conference is scheduled from 12 to 14 December 2023 in Portland, Oregon, United States. The conference theme is “Chaos to Clarity: Leveraging Emerging Technologies”. The theme symbolises the need to use technological advancements to provide battlefield advantage and intelligence. DoDIIS draws together leading subject matter experts, decision-makers, and stakeholders to forge relationships.  The objective of the conference is to emphasise the importance of making decisions based on exponentially increasing volumes and varieties of information in the era of strategic competition.

Egypt Defence Expo scheduled for 4 to 7 December 2023

Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2023 will take place from 4 to 7 December 2023 at Egypt International Exhibition Centre, Cairo, Egypt. Arabian World Events is organising the third edition of EDEX with support from the Egyptian Ministry of Military Production and the Ministry of Defence. EDEX will bring together military personnel, government officials, and industry professionals. The event showcases over 400 prominent defence and security firms from around the world, featuring the latest military gear, technology, and systems for land, sea, and air. EDEX is a biennial event that aims to bring the latest technologies and solutions to defence industries.

Trade and Economics

The UNCTAD eWeek 2023 is scheduled for 4 to 8 December 2023

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) eWeek 2023 will be held from 4 to 8 December at the International Conference Centre of Geneva (CICG), Geneva, Switzerland.  The theme of this conference is “Shaping the future of the digital economy”. Leaders from governments, businesses, international organisations, development banks, academia, and civil society will attend the event. The objective of the event is to look for ways to narrow digital divides, enhance data and digital governance, and foster digital partnerships for more inclusive outcomes.  The eWeek 2023 offers a unique opportunity for constructive and inclusive dialogue to determine our digital future.

Brazil’s G20 Presidency Term starts on 1 December 2023

India formally handed Brazil the G20 leadership during the annual summit’s closing ceremony on 10 September 2023 in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed the ceremonial gavel to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Brazil will remain the President until 18 and 19 November 2024, when the new summit is convened in Rio de Janeiro. A consensus statement covering topics such as global debt, climate change, and the security of food and energy was produced at the two-day summit. In November, PM Modi suggested holding a “virtual summit” to evaluate the summit issues. The aim is to expedite the implementation of recommendations by members and promote continuous conversations.

Social Issues

International Human Rights Day will be observed on 10 December 2023

The International Human Rights Day will be observed on 10 December 2023. The day marks the commemoration of the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 30^th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The day was first celebrated in 1950 after the UN General Assembly passed resolution 423 (V). This global event aims to increase awareness of the universality and indivisibility of human rights, particularly among the youth. The objective is to honour the declaration’s legacy, promoting equality, freedom, and justice as fundamental principles in societies worldwide.

International Migrants Day will be observed on 18 December 2023

The International Migrants Day will be observed on 18 December 2023. The day is set aside by the UN General Assembly to recognise the critical contributions of migrants and highlight the challenges they face. Whatever the reasons behind their relocation, migrants and internally displaced people comprise some of the most marginalised and vulnerable segments of society. They are frequently the targets of misinformation-fuelled xenophobic attacks and stigma, have limited access to essential services like healthcare, and are frequently the victims of abuse and exploitation.

Energy and Environment

The 3^rd World Conference on Sustainability, Energy, and Environment is scheduled for 8 and 9 December 2023

The 3^rd World Conference on Sustainability, Energy, and Environment will be held on 8 and 9 December 2023 in Berlin, Germany. The conference will cover topics ranging from air pollution, eco-design, energy optimisation, climate change, energy practices, and waste management. The event will be attended by researchers, scientists, students, research institutions, and government officials. The conference will offer its participants a platform to connect with possible research partners and collaborators and stimulate learning opportunities and networking sessions. The conference aims to bring different viewpoints together to advance the sustainability conversation and enact significant changes.

World Space Forum (WSF) will be held from 12 to 14 December 2023

The United Nations World Space Forum (UNWSF) is scheduled for 12 to 14 December 2023 at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), Vienna, Austria. The theme of the conference is “Space 4 Our Common Future”. The WSF brings together experts and policymakers from regional, national, and local institutions, private organisations, academic institutions, non-governmental organisations, and international organisations. UNWSF aims to support socio-economic sustainable development by fortifying alliances and fostering continual discourse on a wide variety of space-related topics among the international community. The Forum champions the implementation of “The ‘Space2030’ Agenda: Space as a driver of sustainable development.”