Whilst discussions around the covid pandemic are starting to settle down, heads are turning towards emerging economic recessions, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and an escalating climate emergency (not the cheeriest outlook, we know). To help you navigate this year, we have highlighted some of the most important 2023 political events taking place across the calendar. Buckle up!

2024 Political Key Dates

For 2024 Political key dates check out the article here: Key Political Events in 2024.

What to expect from the 2023 Political Calendar…

Some of the biggest stories from history resurface for a new chapter in 2023. From national leaders reluctant to admit defeat (Bolsanaro and Khan) to the expansion of international unions (NATO, the EU and the eurozone), this year brings a number of key events that will mark the beginning of brand-new chapters in our global political climate.

2023 Political Events – January

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Sworn in as Brazilian President – January 1

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a majority vote in a runoff election against incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro on October 30th, 2022, electing him as Brazil’s 39th President. He will be officially sworn in as the country’s new Head of State and Government today, beginning his four-year term.

Lula previously held presidency in Brazil between 2003 and 2010, when he was considered to be one of the most popular politicians in the world at the time, and one of the most popular in Brazil’s history.

Croatia to Adopt the Euro – January 1

On the 1 January, Croatia is due to become the 20th member state of the eurozone, which will be the first enlargement of the monetary union since Lithuania’s entry in 2015.

Whilst the Euro has been legal tender in the country for a while already, and has been commonly used and quoted, this change will see the country abandoning their national currency altogether (the Croatian Kuna) and finalising its replacement with the Euro.

During the first two weeks of January 2023, payments will be allowed in both currencies, and then afterwards only in euro. The Croatian National Bank will continue to exchange Kuna coins for the following three years, while Kuna notes will be accepted permanently. A fixed conversion rate has been set at 1 € = 7.53450 kn.

‘Spare’ Book Release (Prince Harry) – January 10

Prince Harry’s new memoir, titled ‘Spare’, is scheduled for its official release on January 10th.

The book will be available in 16 different languages and the proceeds will be donated to a range of British charities. The book will explore Harry’s journey from “trauma to healing” in “raw unflinching honesty” according to publisher Penguin Random House.

World Economic Forum 2023 – January 16-20

Returning to its hometown of Davos, Switzerland, the 2023 annual political meeting will take place under the new theme: ‘Cooperation in a Fragmented World’.

Last year’s summit focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as investment shifts prompted by climate change, and general threats to the global economy. It’s likely that these themes will re-emerge this year, particularly with the threats of inflation and recession on the rise in the West.

2023 Political Events – February

EU-Ukraine Summit – February 3

A summit between the European Union and Ukraine will be take place in Kyiv on February 3rd. The summit is likely to host discussions about the ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine and the EU’s support and involvement, such as through their use of military aid and sanctions. 

Back in December, Zelenskyy also urged the EU to accelerate talks and negotiations regarding Ukraine’s accession into the European Union. In June 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine the status of a candidate for accession to the EU, though the proceeding assessments and negotiations have been slow to commence.

1 Year since Russia Invaded Ukraine – February 24

A year ago today, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, a crisis that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides and had global effects on food shortages and economic stability.

Since the invasion began, nearly 8 million Ukrainians have fled the country in what has been the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. It also prompted the biggest emigration of Russian nationals since the 1917 October Revolution.

Nigerian General Election – February 25

On February 25, Nigeria will elect their President and Vice President to office. The incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari is ineligible to run, having served the maximum of two 4-year terms. Elections for the Senate and House of Representatives will also be held on this day.

All 18 political parties in the country each have a candidate on the ballot, which includes one female candidate: Princess Chichi Ojei from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) have chosen Bola Tinubu as their presidential nominee, whilst their main opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have Atiku Abubakar running for them.

2023 Political Events – March

International Women’s Day – March 8

Another key focal point in the movement for women’s rights, International Women’s Day was first celebrated in its modern form in 1977, when it was officially adopted by the UN (although it has been commemorated in some countries since the early 20th century). The day is observed in a variety of ways in different parts of the world – from being a public holiday in some nations, to being a day of protest and/or a celebration of womanhood in others.

The campaign theme for 2023 is #EmbraceEquity, which will focus on “creating a fair and equal world” through collective activism.

2023 Political Events – April

Finnish Parliamentary Election – April 2 (TBC)

On this date, Finland will elect their 200 members of parliament for the 2023–2027 term (given that the current parliament does not dissolve early). 101 seats are needed for a majority, and voting is conducted by proportional representation. The leading parties in the country are the Social Democratic Party, the Finns Party, and the National Coalition Party.

Incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Sanna Marin, has held office since 2019, when she became the youngest person in the country’s history to do so.

In August 2022, a series of leaked videos went viral that featured Marin partying and dancing with friends, leading to allegations of drug use. She took a voluntary drug test and tested negative. It is yet to be seen whether the controversy will affect her political stability.

White House Correspondents Association Dinner – April 29

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) holds its annual dinner. The WHCA is an organisation of journalists whom cover the White House and the president of the United States, though they operate as an independent body.

The WHCA dinner, designed to raise money for scholarships, has long been one of D.C.’s highest profile gatherings of insiders, media personalities and public officials.

2023 Political Events – May

United Kingdom Local Elections – May 4

Local elections will take place across the UK today, including those for district councils, unitary authorities, and directly-elected mayors in England.

All voters will be required to show photo ID in order to vote during these elections, as a result of the recently enacted Elections Act 2022.

Coronation of King Charles III and Camilla (UK) – May 6

King Charles III will be coronated under his new title of King of England. The ceremony, named Operation Golden Orb, has been years in the planning already. It will take place at Westminster Abbey and will also see Camilla crowned as Queen Consort by Charles’ side. There will most likely be a bank holiday declared for the event.

Upon Charles’ accession to the throne, his son, William, inherited his father’s previous title of Prince of Wales. However, unlike his father, it seems unlikely that Prince William will get a grand ceremony to invest him in his new role. In fact, many Welsh politicians are pushing for the title to be abolished altogether due to its oppressive and archaic connotations.

Eurovision Song Contest – May 13

The Finals of this year’s Eurovision song contest will take place in the Liverpool Arena on May 13th, with Semi-Finals on the 9th and the 11th.

Ukraine won the contest in 2022, with Kalush Orchestra’s “Stefania”, which would usually see them hosting the proceeding contest. However, since there is still an ongoing crisis in the country, the UK stepped in as runners-up to host on their behalf. Liverpool won the bid to host, based on its proposed venue facilities, infrastructure, and “the cultural offer of the Host City in reflecting Ukraine’s win in 2022”.

G7 Summit – May 19-21

The G7 will gather for their annual summit, where they will discuss major issues such as climate change, inequality, and security. This will be the 49th annual G7 Summit, and will take place in Hiroshima, under Japanese presidency.

Speaking on the summit, Japanese President, Fumio Kishida, has said “we’ll show the presence of Japan to the world and lead discussions at a time when the international community is in turbulence” (nippon, 2022).

2023 Political Events – June

Turkish General Election – June 18

Turkey will hold both its presidential and parliamentary elections on this day. The elected president will serve a term of 5 years.

The incumbent president and leader of the Justice and Development Party, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, will be running for a second term, though his competition is yet to be confirmed. The main opposition is the Republican People’s Party, currently led by Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, who is also expected to run.

2023 Political Events – July

OPEC International Seminar – July 7

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) run their 8th International Seminar this year at the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, Austria.

A range of participants will attend the seminar, including Ministers from OPEC Member Countries and other oil-producing and oil-consuming nations, as well as industry leaders, academics, analysts, energy experts and journalists from specialised media.

The seminar is likely to be dominated by the impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, which has accelerated the global energy crisis. Energy prices in the UK have soared this year leaving many concerned about the costs they now face.

NATO Summit – July 11-12

The next NATO Heads of State and Government meeting will take place in 2023 in Vilnius, Lithuania. The summit will define the security challenges facing the Alliance and outline the political and military tasks NATO will carry out to address them.

Last year’s summit began the process of Finland and Sweden’s accession into NATO. Since then, Ukraine have accelerated their own application, and this year’s summit may well set them on a similar path to joining the group.

10 Years since UK legalised same-sex marriage – July 17

On July 17 2013, the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 received Royal Assent by Queen Elizabeth II, having successfully passed through the Houses of Parliament a day prior. This act established the legalisation of same sex marriages in England and Wales, which came into effect the following year, at midnight on 29 March 2014.

This is certainly a milestone to celebrate, but it’s important to remember just how recently this was achieved, and the discrimination that continues to survive it.

2023 Political Events – September

G20 Summit – September (TBA)

The G20 hosts their 18th Heads of State and Government Summit in New Dehli this year under Indian presidency. The summit will look back on the work that the G20 has done over the year and discuss their visions for the future, bringing together the world’s major economies to tackle key global issues.

The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is “One Earth · One Family · One Future” (or “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”), which comes from the ancient Sanskrit text of the Maha Upanishad. It “affirms the value of all life – human, animal, plant, and microorganisms – and their interconnectedness on the planet Earth and in the wider universe” (G20, 2023).

The G20 members account for more than 80% of world GDP, 75% of global trade and 60% of the population of the planet.

UNGA78 (United Nations General Assembly) – September 12-30

The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) will take place at the New York City headquarters this year, opening on the 12th September, with high-level General Debate commencing on the 25th. The sessions will, amongst other things, include votes on peace and security, and budgetary concerns.

This marks the beginning of the regular sessions in which the Assembly attends between September and December each year (and thereafter until all issues are addressed). Presidency is rotated on a yearly basis, and this year’s will take over from the Hungary’s Csaba Kőrösi.

The UN General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as “International Year of Millets”, seeking to raise awareness of millet production, including the various health benefits of the grain, as well as its sustainability and suitability under changing climate conditions.

130 Years since Women Won the Right to Vote (NZ) – September 19

On 19 September 1893, women in New Zealand became the first country in the world to allow women the right to vote. We can’t talk about this date without paying homage to Kate Sheppard, who was the country’s most famous suffragist, as well as all those who fought tenaciously for women’s suffrage in New Zealand and across the world. 

In a country now run by a feminist, female Prime Minister, and one that ranks fourth in the world for women’s rights (World Economic Forum, 2022), this is a day of great honour and celebration for New Zealand, who have served justice to their nation’s legacy of feminist activism.

New Zealand General Election – September 23 (TBC)

Since 2014, the election trend in New Zealand has seen general elections taking place on the second to last Saturday in September (except for a COVID delay in 2020). This would mean that the next general election in the country would take place on the 23 September this year. However, the nation technically has until 13 January 2024 to determine the new parliament.

The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, will seek to maintain power, fighting particularly against their main opposition, the National Party, led by Christopher Luxon.

2023 Political Events – October

Pakistani General Election – October 12 (TBC)

If the National Assembly does not dissolve before its expiration on August 13, then general elections will be held on October 12.

Imran Khan was dismissed in a vote of no confidence back in April, led in a united opposition by Shehbaz Sharif, who went on to succeed him as Prime Minister. Khan tried to stop the vote going ahead, and even threatened to impose martial law to avoid handing over power, and since has been rallying his loyal supporters, pledging to fight in the next election. In November 2022, Imran Khan survived a shooting at a political rally.

ICC Cricket World Cup – October-November (TBC)

2023 brings the 13th edition of the Cricket World Cup, which will be the first time the event has been held entirely in India. The last Cricket World Cup, hosted by England and Wales in 2019, was viewed by over 2.6 billion people (Road Trips, 2022), so this is certain to gain a lot of traction.

2023 Political Events – November

ASEAN Summit – November 11-30

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meet in Bangkok, Thailand (under Indonesian presidency) this year to discuss economic, political, security, and socio-cultural development.

ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 member states in Southeast Asia, which promotes intergovernmental and sociocultural cooperation and integration amongst countries within Asia. ASEAN’s primary objective is to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development.

Indonesia took over chairmanship of ASEAN this year, under the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, which will “focus on handling multidimensional crises such as food, energy, and financial crises” (MedCom, 2023).

COP28 – November 30-December 12

2023’s UN Climate Change Conference will take place in the United Arab Emirates. Members will assess global progress in dealing with climate change and discuss plans for the future.

Of its presidency, Cabinet member and Minister in the UAE, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, said: “The UAE is honoured to welcome all parties to work on developing an ambitious agenda for Cop28 in 2023 that will accelerate the development of practical solutions and make crucial progress on climate action” (The National News, 2021).

As the window for climate action draws to a close, this highly anticipated political event marks an opportunity not only for governments to make new pledges but for the public to scrutinise their commitment to others.

Need More 2023 Political Events?

For a comprehensive list of all the key dates coming up in the 2023 political calendar, check the definitive tool for tracking key dates and trending topics: the Key Dates Finder by The Content Architects, for businesses. To learn how brands hijack in the name of politics – we have you covered!

NB. Every effort has been made to ensure all dates and facts are accurate at the time of writing. 

Written by Becky Tudor