Whilst discussions around the covid pandemic are starting to trail off, heads are turning towards economic recessions, the climate crisis, the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and escalating tensions in the Middle East. To help you navigate this year, we have highlighted some of the most important 2024 political events taking place across the calendar. Buckle up!

What to expect from the 2024 Political Calendar…

Some of the biggest stories from history resurface for a new chapter in 2024. From a number of high profile presidential elections to key anniversaries and international summits, this year brings a number of important events that will mark the beginning of brand-new chapters in our global political climate.

Join the bi-monthly newsletter

2024 Political Events – January

The Digital Services Act (DSA) Comes Into Effect – January 1

Today, the EU’s Digital Services Act will come into effect, targeting illegal content, transparent advertising, and disinformation online. The Act was published back in October 2022, but service providers will have until 1 January 2024 to comply with the provisions laid out in the regulation. Others will have until 17 February 2024, depending on the size and operations of each business.

The lead up to this milestone has seen big platforms such as Meta, TikTok and Snapchat all make announcements about the steps they are taking to ensure they are compliant and meeting those regulatory requirements in the EU.

100 Years Since The Death of Vladimir Lenin – January 21

On the evening of 21 January 1924, Vladimir Lenin, leader of the October Revolution and the first leader and co-founder of the Soviet Union, died aged 53, after falling into a coma.

Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924) was a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution, leading the Bolshevik Party to power in 1917. He became the first head of Soviet Russia and played a vital role in the establishment of the Soviet Union. Lenin’s policies reshaped Russia’s political and economic landscape, leaving a lasting impact.

100 Years since UK’s First Female Cabinet Minister – January 23

On this day in 1924, Margaret Bondfield became the first woman to be appointed a government minister in the UK.

4 years later, the Representation of the People Act 1928 would grant electoral equality between men and women across the UK. It may sound like a long time ago to us now, but in the grand scheme of things, these events are still in our very recent history.

World Economic Forum 2024 – January 15-19

Returning once again to its hometown of Davos, Switzerland, the 2024 annual political meeting of the World Economic Forum will take place today.

The theme for 2024 is “From Lab to Life: Science in Action”, which will explore different areas of science, including biology, biodiversity, AI and cybersecurity. 

Finnish Presidential Election – January 28

Finland will hold the first round of their 2024 presidential election 28 January. If no candidate receives more than half the vote during this round, a second round will take place two weeks later, on 11 February 2024. The new Finnish President will be inaugurated on either the 1 February or the 1 March, depending on whether the election goes to a second round.

The President of the Republic will serve a six-year term. Incumbent President, Sauli Niinistö, is not eligible for re-election, having served the maximum two terms.

2024 Political Events – February

Pakistani General Election – February 8

The Pakistani general election has been postponed to 8 February 2024, after being due to take place by 8 November 2023.

This controversial delay essentially violated the constitution and is a cause of concern in the country. Imran Khan was dismissed in a vote of no confidence back in April 2023, 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 against what he claims is a “foreign conspiracy” against him.

2 Years since Russia Invaded Ukraine – February 24

Two years 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, over 10 million Ukrainians have been displaced from their homes 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.

2024 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 2024 is #InspireInclusion, which will focus on creating “a more inclusive world ” through collective activism.

Russian Presidential Election – March 17

Russia will hold the first round of its 2024 presidential election on 17 March. If no candidate receives more than half the vote during this round, a second round will take place three weeks later, on 7 April 2024. The new Russian President is scheduled to be inaugurated on 7 May 2024.

This marks the first election since the 2020 constitutional reform, which removed the term limit for serving presidents. This amendment means that incumbent president, Vladimir Putin, is eligible for re-election in 2024.

Ukrainian Presidential Election – March 31 (TBC)

The Ukraine constitution stipulates that elections must be held on the last Sunday of March of the fifth year of the incumbent president’s term of office. This would mean that presidential elections are due to take place on 31 March 2024.

However, the Ukrainian government have implemented martial law due to the Russian invasion in the country, and since Ukrainian law does not allow elections to be held when martial law is in effect, the elections are likely to be postponed and rescheduled.

2024 Political Events – April

World Health Day – April 07

World Health Day draws attention to core priorities in global health. Numerous events are organised to educate the public and decision-makers about specific health issues.

From its inception at the First Health Assembly in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950, there is a specific theme dedicated each year. 

White House Correspondents Association Dinner – April 27

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.

2024 Political Events – May

International Workers Day – May 1

Also known as May Day, this event is a global observance dedicated to workers’ rights and the International Labour Movement.

It originated in the late 19th century as a day of protest for better working conditions. Today is a day for workers to advocate for their rights and celebrate their achievements worldwide.

Eurovision Song Contest Finals – May 11

The Finals of this year’s Eurovision song contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden on May 11th, with Semi-Finals on the 7th and the 8th.

Sweden won the contest in 2022, with the song “Tattoo” by Loreen. This year will also mark 50 years since ABBA famously won the competition with their song “Waterloo”, which kickstarted their journey to international adoration.

77th World Health Assembly – May 27 – June 01

Assembles for the annual World Health Assembly for the 77th time, at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board.

2024 Political Events – June

Mexican General Election – June 02

Mexico will hold its 2024 general election on 2 June, when voters will elect a new president of Mexcico, as well as all 500 members of the Chamber of Deputies and all 128 members of the Senate of the Republic.

The new President of the Mexico will serve a six-year term. Incumbent President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, is not eligible for re-election, having served the maximum of a single term, called a sexenio.

2024 European Parliament election – June 06-09

The 2024 European Parliament election will be the tenth parliamentary election since the first elections in 1979, and the first European Parliament election without the UK after Brexit saw them leave the European Union in 2020.

European Parliament Elections take place every five years and allow EU citizens to elect representatives to the European Parliament. These elected MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) play a crucial role in shaping EU legislation and policies, making the election a key democratic process within the EU.

G7 Summit – June 17-19

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 50th annual G7 Summit, and will take place in Puglia under Italian presidency.

Speaking on the summit, Italian President, Giorgia Meloni, has said that the summit will focus on Ukraine, economic security, energy security, migration and African cooperation (Italian Government, 2023).

World Refugee Day – June 20

The purpose of today is to raise awareness on the global issue and situation of refugees. Many stand in solidarity with refugees today and join the movement by getting involved.

This day promotes empathy, support, and action to address the global refugee crisis.

2024 Political Events – July

NATO Summit – July 09-11

The next NATO Heads of State and Government meeting will take place in 2024 in Washington D.C. in the United States. The summit will define the security challenges facing the Alliance and outline the political and military tasks NATO will carry out to address them.

While the agenda is yet to be confirmed, concerns are likely to focus on the potential threats of China, Russia, and new military technological advancements. It is likely to build on discussions had in the 2023 Vilnius Summit.

60 Years of The Civil Rights Act – July 02

On this day in 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in the United States.

The act became the most sweeping civil rights legislation of the century, providing legal recourse for discrimination in schools, public facilities, and conflict resolution.

2024 Paris Summer Olympics – July 26 – August 11

The 2024 Summer Olympics will take place in France, with Paris as the main host city. This year’s event will see Paris joining London as the only cities to host the Olympics three times. The Paralympic Games will take place shortly after, from 28 August until 8 September.

Paris 2024 be the first Olympics to feature breakdancing (or breaking) as an Olympic event.

The games are expected to cost a total of around €8.3 billion.

2024 Political Events – August

Nusantara will become the new capital of Indonesia – August 17

Replacing Jakarta, Indonesia plans to inaugurate Nusantara as its new capital city on August 17 2024.

Construction of the city began in July 2022, with plans to complete the project in 2045. The city is being sustainably designed to protect its surrounding Kalimantan forests and will achieve net zero-carbon emissions and 100% renewable energy. The project is expected to cost an estimated Rp 523 trillion ($35 billion USD).

2024 Political Events – September

UNGA79 (United Nations General Assembly) – September 10-24

The 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 79) will take place at the New York City headquarters this year, opening on the 10th September, with high-level General Debate commencing on the 24th. 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 president will take over from Dennis Francis, a diplomat and UN representative from Trinidad and Tobago. 

The UN Summit of the Future – September 22-23

This is a high-level UN event dedicated to establishing an international consensus on safeguarding our global future, running under the slogan: “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow”.

This event is “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance cooperation on critical challenges and address gaps in global governance”, and will form part of an action-oriented roadmap to taking concrete steps and delivering outcomes, laid out in a new document to be called the Pact for the Future.

2024 Political Events – October

Defenders’ Day in Ukraine – October 01

Defenders Day in Ukraine honours and pays tribute to all those who have fought and continue to fight for the state sovereignty of Ukraine.  Before 2023, the event was celebrated on 14 October each year. However, a calendar reform this year has moved the event to October 1.

This day should provide an opportunity to remember those that have been lost in the ongoing crisis, as well as commemorate the bravery of those who continue to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty.

United Nations Day – October 24

This day marks the anniversary of the creation of the United Nations in 1945.

This was accomplished when the UN Charter – its founding document – was ratified by the majority of the signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council. Today is celebrated with meetings, discussions and exhibits on the numerous achievements and goals of this global organisation.

2024 Political Events – November

United States Presidential Election – November 05

The 60th quadrennial presidential election in the United States is due to take place on November 5 2024. Voters will elect a president and vice president for a four-year term, with the winners due to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025.

Incumbent President, Joe Biden, is running for re-election, whilst his predecessor, Donald Trump, is also running for re-election for what could be his second, nonconsecutive term.

35th Anniversary of The Fall of The Berlin Wall – November 09

2024 celebrates 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. On this day in 1989, East Germany opened its checkpoints, allowing its citizens to travel freely to West Germany.

This pivotal moment in history marked the fall of the Iron Curtain, initiating the end of the Cold War in Europe.

2024 G20 Rio de Janeiro Summit – November 18-19

The G20 hosts their 19th Heads of State and Government Summit in Rio de Janeiro this year under Brazilian 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 Brasil’s G20 Presidency is “Building a Fair World and a Sustainable Planet”.

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

2024 Political Events – December

New EU Commission President takes office – December (TBC)

The 14th president of the European Commission (the executive branch of the European Union) is expected to be inaugurated in December 2024. Each president serves a five-year term, and 2024 will take over from Von der Leyen, who has held the post since 2019.

The European Council votes by qualified majority for a presidential nominee, whom must then be approved by an absolute majority of the serving MEPs. 

Need More 2024 Political Events?

For a comprehensive list of all the key dates coming up in the 2024 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