Current Affairs - International

Laos is gearing up to host the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in its capital, Vientiane, from July 21 to 27. The preparations, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, aim to ensure smooth logistics and arrangements for ministers and delegations from over 34 countries attending the regional event. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic effort by Laos within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), emphasizing its role in facilitating regional cooperation and dialogue among member states.

The 24th SCO Summit convened in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. Astana, now known as Nur-Sultan, hosted this significant event where leaders from SCO member states, including Russia, China, and Pakistan, gathered to address regional cooperation and security challenges. As the host nation, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presided over the summit, underscoring Astana's role as a diplomatic hub for international dialogues within the SCO framework.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is headquartered in Rome, Italy. The Codex Alimentarius Commission’s Executive Committee (CCEXEC) session, attended by India's CEO of FSSAI, is held at the FAO Headquarters in Rome. This location serves as a central hub for global discussions and initiatives concerning food safety standards and practices.

India assumed the chairmanship of the 'Colombo Process', a regional initiative involving 12 Asian countries, aimed at enhancing governance and opportunities for overseas employment. The meeting, held at the Permanent Representative Level in Geneva, marked India's leadership in fostering regional migration cooperation. Key priorities under India's chairmanship include financial sustainability, expanding membership, and collaborating with regional bodies such as the Abu Dhabi Dialogue. Secretary Muktesh Pardeshi outlined India's commitment to advancing the Colombo Process's goals, focusing on skill enhancement and strategic partnerships to strengthen regional migration frameworks.

India is hosting the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee from July 21-31, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event, attended by delegates from 195 countries, signifies India's role in global cultural diplomacy and its commitment to promoting cultural preservation and recognition worldwide. The choice of venue and the expected inauguration by the Prime Minister highlighted India's emphasis on both its modern infrastructure and rich cultural heritage during this international gathering.