Summits and Conferences in Current Affairs MCQs

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India participated in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)+20 Forum High-Level Event 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The WSIS+20 Forum commemorates 20 years since the WSIS, held in Geneva (2003) and Tunis (2005), and is co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP, and UNCTAD. Its aim is to address information and communication technology issues through a multi-stakeholder approach, fostering a people-centric, inclusive, and development-oriented Information Society.

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The 12th Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) was hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from June 3–5, 2024. The assembly included over 700 partners and FAO members. The GSP is a globally recognized mechanism that promotes sustainable soil management and has implemented programs around the world. The assembly is a key platform for GSP partners and FAO members to exchange knowledge and expertise and make important decisions about the global soil agenda.

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Singapore hosted the first Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum on June 5-6, 2024, alongside the IPEF Ministerial meeting. Led by Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, the forum aimed to mobilize investments in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate technology. The IPEF Catalytic Capital Fund, with contributions from Australia, Japan, Korea, the US, and Infrastructure Development Group, was launched, committing USD 33 million.

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Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar represented India at the East Asia Summit (EAS SOM) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF SOM) in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on June 7-8, 2024. Key issues discussed included Indo-Pacific peace, maritime security, and regional conflicts. Mazumdar emphasized EAS’s role in promoting stability and highlighted India’s maritime security initiatives. He also held bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries, discussing regional cooperation and shared perspectives.

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The Indian delegation led by Secretary Sumita Dawra attended the 112th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva. Dawra discussed India’s labour reforms, social security for informal workers, and female labour participation. Meetings with ILO leaders focused on global skills mapping, social security, green jobs, and skilled worker migration. The delegation emphasized the care sector’s importance, highlighting initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and its GDP impact.

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The two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine at Switzerland’s Bürgenstock resort concluded with hopes of ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Out of 100 delegations, 80 countries and four organizations supported the final joint communiqué. The Swiss Peace Summit, focused on facilitating dialogue and negotiations to end the conflict that started in February 2022, gathered international representatives to discuss and promote peace initiatives.

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India participated in the CLGF Annual Board meeting in Sri Lanka, focusing on “Reinforcing Social Resilience through Women’s Political Representation.” CLGF, headquartered in London since 1995, unites local governments and ministries across 56 Commonwealth nations, including India. It advocates for gender equality in local governance to support women’s active participation in public life, aligning with SDG 5 goals.

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India has been placed in the “regular follow-up category” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) after its plenary meeting in Singapore from June 26-28, 2024. The meeting evaluated 17 countries on anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism financing, and anti-proliferation compliance. India, Russia, France, Italy, and the UK were kept in the regular follow-up, while one country was grey-listed. The FATF commended India’s efforts but urged quicker prosecution in such cases.

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For the first time, the Taliban participated in the United Nations Conference on Afghanistan, held in Doha on 30 June and 1 July 2024. Despite attendance from 25 countries and organizations, including the EU and SCO, no substantial progress was made. The Taliban, represented by Zabihullah Mujahid, joined after their demands were met, excluding Afghan civil society representatives. India was represented by J.P. Singh from the Ministry of External Affairs.

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India will host the 46th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session from July 21-31, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This significant cultural diplomacy event will draw over 2,500 delegates from 195 countries, including state parties to the World Heritage Convention, advisory bodies, senior diplomats, heritage experts, and scholars. The gathering aims to discuss and decide on matters of global cultural significance.