Politics and Governance

World Forum for Democracy will be held on 6 to 8 November 2023

The World Forum for Democracy is scheduled for 6 to 8 November 2023 in Strasbourg, France. The theme of the forum is “Democracy=Peace?” This event serves as a unique platform for political leaders and activists to deliberate on solutions to pressing challenges facing democracies globally. The forum aims to spotlight and endorse innovations in democracy at the grassroots level and facilitate their adoption on a systemic scale, thereby fortifying the bedrock of democratic societies by scrutinising experimental initiatives and practices.  The objective is to advance democracy towards more participatory and inclusive structures and institutions.

Fourth Session: Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons scheduled for 13 to 17 November 2023

The Conference on the Establishment of Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction’s fourth annual session is scheduled for 13 to 17 November 2023 at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York. This conference, mandated by General Assembly decision A/DEC/73/546 (22 December 2018), aims to work towards the realisation of a nuclear-free Middle East. The first session was held from 18 to 22 November 2019, presided over by Ambassador Sima Bahous of Jordan. The second session, originally postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held from 29 November to 3 December 2021, led by Ambassador Mansour Al-Otaibi of Kuwait. The third session was held from 14 to 18 November 2022, chaired by Ms. Jeanne Mrad of Lebanon. The conference brings together participants from across the region to deliberate on the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

Defence and Security

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons to be held from 27 November to 1 December 2023

The Second Meeting of States Parties (MSP) for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is scheduled for 27 November to 1 December 2023 at the Trusteeship Council in UN Headquarters in New York, with Mexico presiding as President. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has officially convened this crucial gathering per decisions made by the States Parties during the first MSP in June 2022 and endorsed by the UN General Assembly in resolution 77/54 on December 13, 2022. The objective is to further advance discussions and actions towards the prohibition of nuclear weapons.

Exercise Bison Counter 23 will be held from 08 to 24 November 2023

The Exercise Bison Counter 23 (BC23) is scheduled for 08 to 24 November 2023 in Zaragoza, Spain. It is a multinational Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices C-IED training event. It aligns with the Bison Counter C-IED Exercises Capability Building (BC-EX) Cat B Project, a key initiative of the European Defence Agency (EDA). BC23 aims to enhance technical skills, integrate enablers at the tactical level, and validate the full C-IED operational cycle. The exercise will deploy a multinational C-IED Task Force in a dynamic scenario featuring irregular and conventional threats. With an expected audience of 650 to 1,000 military personnel from 14 European Union (EU) Member States, BC23 offers a platform for showcasing, demonstrating, and testing C-IED-related equipment and material.

Japan-US major military drill will be held from 10 to 19 November 2023

The Japan-US military drill named Keen Sword is scheduled for 10 to 19 November 2023. This biennial event involves 36,000 personnel, 30 vessels, and 370 aircraft from both countries’ defence forces. The exercise aims to demonstrate the strong coordination and determination of Japan and the US, contributing to Japan’s defence and regional peace and security. Additionally, Canada will dispatch two vessels, while Australia and Britain will each send one warship. Field training will encompass Japan’s southwestern islands, including Tokunoshima, which is closer to Taipei than Tokyo. The objective is to enhance military readiness and cooperation, especially in light of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.

Trade and Economics

APEC Economic Leaders’ Week San Francisco is scheduled for 11 to 17 November 2023

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) is scheduled for 11 to 17 November 2023 in San Francisco, California, hosted by the US. This event marks the culmination of the APEC US Host year, operating under the theme of “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All.” AELW aims to convene global leaders, delegates, and stakeholders to address pressing challenges, focusing on three key policy priorities for 2023: Interconnectedness, Innovation, and Inclusivity. AELW seeks to advance policies for free, fair, and open trade while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, with 21 member economies representing nearly 40 per cent of the world’s population and half of global trade.

African Economic Conference is scheduled for 16 to 18 November 2023

The 2023 African Economic Conference is scheduled to be held in a hybrid format from 16 to 18 November 2023 in Addis Ababa. It is organised jointly by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Since its inception in 2006, this conference has been a vital platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on various challenges facing Africa. The theme for 2023 is “Imperatives for sustainable industrial development in Africa”, aiming to provide a forum for researchers to present solution-oriented research to policymakers. The objective is to advance Africa’s industrial development and address associated challenges.

Social Issues

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women will be held on 25 November 2023

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women will observed on 25 November 2023. This day commemorates the tragic assassination of the Mirabal sisters in 1960, who were targeted for their activism and identity as women. The UN General Assembly’s Resolution 48/104 (1993) defines violence against women as gender-based acts causing physical, sexual, or psychological harm. In 1999, the General Assembly officially designated 25 November as this vital international day. Its objective is to raise awareness, advocate for women’s rights, and mobilise efforts to eradicate all forms of violence against women.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People will be observed on 29 November 2023

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People will be observed on 29 November 2023. This significant date commemorates the UN General Assembly’s adoption of Resolution 181 (II) on 29 November 1947, which aims to establish separate Arab and Jewish states. The day serves as a global reminder that the issue of Palestine remains unresolved. It emphasises the Palestinian people’s unmet rights, including self-determination, national independence, sovereignty, and the right to return to their displaced homes. The objective is to garner international support for achieving these fundamental rights and ultimately finding a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Energy and Environment

Asia-Pacific Climate Week is scheduled for 13 to 17 November 2023

The Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 is scheduled for 13 to 17 November 2023 in Johor Baharu, Johor, Malaysia. The event aims to facilitate regional discussions on critical topics such as energy systems, urban development, sustainable land use, societal well-being, and economic sustainability. Hosted by the Government of Malaysia, APCW 2023 is organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Bank Group. Collaborators in the region include the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES). This platform provides stakeholders with the opportunity to share insights, explore climate solutions, and work towards overcoming challenges. The outcomes of these discussions will contribute to the first global stocktake at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 28 in November 2023.

African Critical Minerals Summit scheduled for 6 and 7 November 2023

The inaugural African Critical Minerals Summit is scheduled for 6 and 7 November 2023 in Johannesburg, hosted by South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The summit will be inaugurated by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa and anticipates the participation of over 2,000 delegates. The African Critical Minerals Dealmaking Space is a platform where governments and private sectors converge to foster collaboration on minerals and energy development. It serves as a forum for bilateral and multilateral discussions to advance critical minerals production and processing while strategically planning for minerals and energy security. The objective is to connect global consumers and producers, attract capital and buyers to African mineral projects, and ensure sustainable resource utilisation.

UN COP28 scheduled for 30 November to 12 December 2023

The COP28 to the UNFCCC is scheduled for 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, hosted by the United Arab Emirates. This critical event comes at a pivotal moment in global climate action, with escalating climate impacts necessitating urgent measures. COP28 will focus on the first-ever global stocktake, assessing progress under the Paris Agreement. Key issues include adaptation, loss and damage, fossil fuel phase-out, and climate finance. The goal is to accelerate climate action, setting the world on a more sustainable trajectory to combat climate change.

Global Meeting of UNWTO Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) scheduled for 20 and 22 December 2023

The 2023 Global Meeting of the UN World Tourism Organisation (WTO) International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) is scheduled for 21 and 22 November 2023 at the UNWTO Headquarters in Madrid, Spain. This event aims to foster collaboration among established Observatories, destinations, and industry stakeholders, focusing on effective governance, participatory approaches, and the net positive approach in sustainable tourism. Additionally, an optional technical session and visit to Malaga are offered on 23-24 November 2023, hosted by the Observatory of Malaga.