The world's political and business elite will hobnob in&nbsp;Davos&nbsp;next week after a two-year break caused by Covid, with the Ukraine war set to dominate the exclusive Swiss mountain summit.

The world has changed drastically since the last time the World&nbsp;Economic&nbsp;Forum&nbsp;took place in person at the ski resort in January 2020.

At the time, US President Donald Trump and climate campaigner Greta Thunberg headlined the show and the coronavirus had yet to spread widely outside China.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-not-attend-davos-for-defence-conference-this-year-453250">Russia to not attend 'Davos for defence' conference this year</a>

Since then, the outbreak in China turned into a pandemic that rocked the global economy, Trump lost the US election to Joe Biden, countries have endured climate change-driven weather disasters, inflation has surged and Russia invaded Ukraine.

After a virtual&nbsp;forum&nbsp;in 2021 and the postponement of this year's in-person event due to the Omicron variant, the WEF returns to its&nbsp;Davos&nbsp;den on Monday under the theme "History at a Turning Point".

But the hub of cheerleaders of capitalism and globalisation will lack its usual scenic snowy backdrop -- and the usual Russian contingent.

President Vladimir Putin spoke at the online meeting last year, but organisers decided to exclude Russians this time as Western powers have imposed sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.

Instead, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the summit via video link while around a dozen officials from his country will attend in person.

WEF founder Klaus Schwab said it would be "the most timely and consequential" meeting since the creation of the&nbsp;forum&nbsp;more than 50 years ago.

"Russia's aggression on the country will be seen in future history books as the breakdown of the post-World War II and post-Cold War order," Schwab said in a pre-summit briefing, adding that&nbsp;Davos&nbsp;will do what it can to support Ukraine and its recovery.

Watch |&nbsp;WEF's online Davos summit begins today; World leaders to deliver key address

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wefs-online-davos-summit-begins-today-world-leaders-to-deliver-key-address-445311/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WEF president Borge Brende said that excluding the Russians from the&nbsp;forum&nbsp;was "the right decision".

"We do hope, though, that Russia will follow a different path ... in the years to come to start to stick to the UN charter and to their international obligations," Brende said.

Few stars

More than 50 heads of state or government will be among the 2,500 delegates ranging from business leaders to academics and civil society figures attending the four-day gathering.

Some of the biggest names include Germany's new chancellor, Olaf Scholz, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, NATO head Jens Stoltenberg and US climate envoy John Kerry.

While war will overshadow the meeting, the&nbsp;forum&nbsp;will also have panels on everything from climate change to rising energy prices, global supply chain problems, gender inequality, poverty, football and the metaverse.

This year's meeting, though, lacks some of the star power of the past. Some, such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, spoke in a virtual version in January.

"I am sure that this is kind of a disappointment," said Adrienne Sorbom, co-author of "Discreet Power", a book on the World&nbsp;Economic&nbsp;Forum.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-us-pay-more-tax-say-patriotic-millionaires-at-davos-virtual-summit-445879">Make us pay more tax, say 'patriotic millionaires' at Davos virtual summit</a>

"I think that the discreet diplomacy that the...&nbsp;forum&nbsp;arranges for is one of the things that is truly to the heart of the&nbsp;forum&nbsp;and what Klaus Schwab sees as his greatest achievement," said Sorbom, a sociology professor at Stockholm University.

While the&nbsp;forum's relevance is questioned every year, it keeps attracting titans of industry and government leaders -- as well as some of its biggest critics.

When Sorbom attended&nbsp;Davos&nbsp;in 2014, "business leaders were saying, 'if you're not here you do not exist".

"Everyone that wants to be someone needs to go there," she said.

Festival of wealth

The&nbsp;forum&nbsp;has produced some consequential moments.

It hosted the first ministerial meetings between North and South Korea in 1989 as well as talks between South Africa's apartheid-era president F. W. de Klerk and then dissident Nelson Mandela in 1992.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davos-agenda-2022-at-wef-un-chief-urges-businesses-to-help-low-income-nations-amid-covid-and-climate-crises-445567">&nbsp;Davos Agenda 2022: At WEF, UN chief urges businesses to help low-income nations amid Covid and climate crises</a>

The&nbsp;forum, however, regularly faces criticism as evidence of the cozy relationship between the political and corporate elite.

"At this&nbsp;Davos, at this festival of wealth, I think we're going to see just how profoundly unequal our world has become," said Nabil Ahmed, head of strategy at global charity Oxfam.

But Oxfam, which is pushing for taxes on the rich, is also among&nbsp;Davos&nbsp;regulars.

"I think it's important to go to&nbsp;Davos&nbsp;to challenge power, to put forward hard facts, to talk directly to these governments and corporations and amplify the voices they're not listening to," Ahmed said.

The world's political and business elite will hobnob in Davos next week after a two-year break caused by Covid, with the Ukraine war set to dominate the exclusive Swiss mountain summit.

The world's political and business elite will hobnob in Davos next week after a two-year break caused by Covid, with the Ukraine war set to dominate the exclusive Swiss mountain summit. The world has changed drastically since the last time the World Economic Forum took place in person at the ski resort in January 2020. At the time, US President Donald Trump and climate campaigner Greta Thunberg headlined the show and the coronavirus had yet to spread widely outside China. Also read | Russia to not attend 'Davos for defence' conference this year Since then, the outbreak in China turned into a pandemic that rocked the global economy, Trump lost the US election to Joe Biden, countries have endured climate change-driven weather disasters, inflation has surged and Russia invaded Ukraine. After a virtual forum in 2021 and the postponement of this year's in-person event due to the Omicron variant, the WEF returns to its Davos den on Monday under the theme "History at a Turning Point". But the hub of cheerleaders of capitalism and globalisation will lack its usual scenic snowy backdrop -- and the usual Russian contingent. President Vladimir Putin spoke at the online meeting last year, but organisers decided to exclude Russians this time as Western powers have imposed sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Instead, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will address the summit via video link while around a dozen officials from his country will attend in person. WEF founder Klaus Schwab said it would be "the most timely and consequential" meeting since the creation of the forum more than 50 years ago. "Russia's aggression on the country will be seen in future history books as the breakdown of the post-World War II and post-Cold War order," Schwab said in a pre-summit briefing, adding that Davos will do what it can to support Ukraine and its recovery. Watch | WEF's online Davos summit begins today; World leaders to deliver key address WEF president Borge Brende said that excluding the Russians from the forum was "the right decision". "We do hope, though, that Russia will follow a different path ... in the years to come to start to stick to the UN charter and to their international obligations," Brende said. Few stars More than 50 heads of state or government will be among the 2,500 delegates ranging from business leaders to academics and civil society figures attending the four-day gathering. Some of the biggest names include Germany's new chancellor, Olaf Scholz, European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen, NATO head Jens Stoltenberg and US climate envoy John Kerry. While war will overshadow the meeting, the forum will also have panels on everything from climate change to rising energy prices, global supply chain problems, gender inequality, poverty, football and the metaverse. This year's meeting, though, lacks some of the star power of the past. Some, such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, spoke in a virtual version in January. "I am sure that this is kind of a disappointment," said Adrienne Sorbom, co-author of "Discreet Power", a book on the World Economic Forum. Also read | Make us pay more tax, say 'patriotic millionaires' at Davos virtual summit "I think that the discreet diplomacy that the... forum arranges for is one of the things that is truly to the heart of the forum and what Klaus Schwab sees as his greatest achievement," said Sorbom, a sociology professor at Stockholm University. While the forum's relevance is questioned every year, it keeps attracting titans of industry and government leaders -- as well as some of its biggest critics. When Sorbom attended Davos in 2014, "business leaders were saying, 'if you're not here you do not exist". "Everyone that wants to be someone needs to go there," she said. Festival of wealth The forum has produced some consequential moments. It hosted the first ministerial meetings between North and South Korea in 1989 as well as talks between South Africa's apartheid-era president F. W. de Klerk and then dissident Nelson Mandela in 1992. Also read | Davos Agenda 2022: At WEF, UN chief urges businesses to help low-income nations amid Covid and climate crises The forum, however, regularly faces criticism as evidence of the cozy relationship between the political and corporate elite. "At this Davos, at this festival of wealth, I think we're going to see just how profoundly unequal our world has become," said Nabil Ahmed, head of strategy at global charity Oxfam. But Oxfam, which is pushing for taxes on the rich, is also among Davos regulars. "I think it's important to go to Davos to challenge power, to put forward hard facts, to talk directly to these governments and corporations and amplify the voices they're not listening to," Ahmed said.

Davos returns under Ukraine cloud after Covid break

The United States hosted a special ASEAN Summit amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, ASEAN leaders refrained from criticising Russia.

The US hosts ASEAN Summit amid Ukraine crisis

Last week's summit between China and Europe was derailed by differences over the war in Ukraine. EU's top diplomat called it the "dialogue of the deaf". Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why this summit's failure was a foregone conclusion.

Gravitas: "Dialogue of the deaf": Europe on summit with China

Israel hosted foreign ministers from the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco and the U.S. at a desert retreat in the Negev. Will the summit begin a new era in Arab-Israel relations? Is America's dominance in West Asia coming to an end?

Historic Israeli-Arab Summit: The U.S. attempts to pacify miffed allies

Israel is all set to host top diplomats of the United States, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco in a “historic” two-day summit from Sunday, the foreign ministry said on Friday.

The summit is historic considering the fact that Israel and these Arab countries used to be at loggerheads with each other for decades, and how it is has been normalised post the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, which was brokered by the US

“At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, this upcoming Sunday and Monday... a historic diplomatic summit will be held in Israel," it said in a statement on Friday.

A series of diplomatic meetings would be attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts from the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, it said.

The United Arab Emirates forged diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under a series of US-brokered deals known as the Abraham Accords. Bahrain and Morocco followed suit, while Sudan also agreed to normalise ties with Israel although it has yet to finalise a deal.

Morocco even signed a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation on Friday, according to the Israeli army’s Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

The agreements — reached under former US president Donald Trump — broke with decades of Arab consensus that there would be no relations with Israel while the Palestinian question remains unresolved.

But the Arab countries said they were motivated by the economic benefits of ties with Israel, reports AFP.

The upcoming talks come against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has sparked wider security concerns and sent oil and food prices soaring.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel is all set to host top diplomats of the United States, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco in a “historic” two-day summit from Sunday, the foreign ministry said on Friday.

Israel is all set to host top diplomats of the United States, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco in a “historic” two-day summit from Sunday, the foreign ministry said on Friday. The summit is historic considering the fact that Israel and these Arab countries used to be at loggerheads with each other for decades, and how it is has been normalised post the signing of the Abraham Accords in 2020, which was brokered by the US “At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, this upcoming Sunday and Monday... a historic diplomatic summit will be held in Israel," it said in a statement on Friday. A series of diplomatic meetings would be attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterparts from the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, it said. The United Arab Emirates forged diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under a series of US-brokered deals known as the Abraham Accords. Bahrain and Morocco followed suit, while Sudan also agreed to normalise ties with Israel although it has yet to finalise a deal. Morocco even signed a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation on Friday, according to the Israeli army’s Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee. The agreements — reached under former US president Donald Trump — broke with decades of Arab consensus that there would be no relations with Israel while the Palestinian question remains unresolved. But the Arab countries said they were motivated by the economic benefits of ties with Israel, reports AFP. The upcoming talks come against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a conflict that has sparked wider security concerns and sent oil and food prices soaring. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to host US, UEA, Bharain and Morocco diplomats for three-day ‘historic' summit

Indian PM Narendra Modi held virtual talks with his Australian counterpart PM Scott Morrison. New initiatives for the partnership were announced.

Second India-Australia Bilateral Summit: India, Australia discuss Economic cooperation

Indian PM Narendra Modi will hold virtual talks with Australian PM Scott Morrison to boost bilateral ties. Australia is all set to announce investments in India during virtual talks.

Australia to announce investments in India during virtual talks between PM Modi & PM Morrison

Recently, India and Japan have agreed on various agreements during the Japan-India summit. Among these, are Suzuki's plans to invest $1.4 billion in India to boost EV infrastructure.

Japan's Suzuki to invest $1.4 BN in India to boost EV infrastructure

Indian PM Narendra Modi is all set to hold virtual talks with Australian PM Scott Morrison. Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar welcomed the Australian Foreign Minister in New Delhi.

Indian PM Narendra Modi to hold virtual talks with Australian PM Scott Morrison

Indian PM Narendra Modi to hold virtual talks with Australian PM Morrison

Indian PM Narendra Modi is holding virtual talks with his Australian counterpart PM Scott Morrison. New initiatives for the partnership to be announced.

India-Australia bilateral summit: PM Narendra Modi holds virtual talks with PM Scott Morrison

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida is currently on a 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties. He is holding talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi.

India, Japan ink MoUs for investment in various sectors during 14th India-Japan annual summit

Indian PM Modi: We welcome Japanese investments

PM Modi hosts Japanese PM Kishida in New Delhi as 14th India-Japan annual summit starts

Indian PM Modi, Japanese PM Kishida discuss Ukraine conflict, Indo-Pacific

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida is currently on a 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties. He will hold talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Japanese PM Kishida on 2-day visit to India to attend 14th India-Japan annual summit

Japanese PM Kishida on 2-day visit to India to further deepen bilateral ties

Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane, while speaking at the WION Climate Summit, emphasised the need for individual responsibility to tackle climate change. His remarks came at the first edition of WION's annual Climate Summit, the theme of which was 'Climate Calling: The last chance to answer climate emergency'.

"If we are not changing our behaviour, then despite pouring in billions of dollars, it will still have no impact," he said.&nbsp;

He further added that we need to invest a little bit of money into the green transition of India but the money basically has to "come from your pocket."&nbsp;

The private sector should also contribute, he said.&nbsp;

He spoke about how his country, Denmark, has done a "fantastic job." &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-climate-summit-indias-first-hydrogen-powered-car-to-be-unveiled-gadkari-462655">Also read |&nbsp;WION Climate Summit | India's first Hydrogen-powered car to be unveiled: Gadkari</a>

"We have really changed our economy."&nbsp;

"There's no future if we are not going green. We can't afford not to do anything," he added.&nbsp;Raising an alarm, Freddy highlighted that people have not realised how endangered the planet is.&nbsp;

India's Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari made a big announcement at WION Climate Summit. He revealed that India's first Hydrogen-powered car was to be unveiled on Wednesday (March 16). The car, made as a pilot project, was kept at his residence, he said.

In his address during the summit, Gadkari said that there was a need to find alternate options for fuels like petrol and diesel.

Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane, while speaking at the WION Climate Summit, emphasised the need for individual responsibility to tackle climate change.

Denmark's Ambassador to India Freddy Svane, while speaking at the WION Climate Summit, emphasised the need for individual responsibility to tackle climate change. His remarks came at the first edition of WION's annual Climate Summit, the theme of which was 'Climate Calling: The last chance to answer climate emergency'. "If we are not changing our behaviour, then despite pouring in billions of dollars, it will still have no impact," he said. He further added that we need to invest a little bit of money into the green transition of India but the money basically has to "come from your pocket." The private sector should also contribute, he said. He spoke about how his country, Denmark, has done a "fantastic job." Also read | WION Climate Summit | India's first Hydrogen-powered car to be unveiled: Gadkari "We have really changed our economy." "There's no future if we are not going green. We can't afford not to do anything," he added. Raising an alarm, Freddy highlighted that people have not realised how endangered the planet is. India's Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari made a big announcement at WION Climate Summit. He revealed that India's first Hydrogen-powered car was to be unveiled on Wednesday (March 16). The car, made as a pilot project, was kept at his residence, he said. In his address during the summit, Gadkari said that there was a need to find alternate options for fuels like petrol and diesel.

WION Climate Summit | Denmark's Ambassador to India stresses the need for individual responsibility

French President Emmanuel Macron who's due for election later this year in fact hosted a summit which was to consider to withdraw the French troops that have been stationed in western African nation of Mali.

Macron hosts African leaders ahead of expected withdrawal of troops from Mali

Paris hosts an Africa summit ahead of expected Mali withdrawal. French President Emmanuel Macron has hosted several African leaders in Paris.

Paris hosts Africa summit ahead of expected Mali withdrawal

Myanmar's junta on Monday said it would not attend an upcoming ASEAN summit after the bloc's "regrettable" exclusion of its top diplomat over a lack of progress in defusing post-coup violence.

ASEAN invited&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;to send a "non-political representative" to this week's foreign ministers' meeting, citing a lack of progress on a consensus agreed last year to facilitate dialogue with opponents of the coup.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government, with more than 1,500 civilians since killed in crackdowns on anti-junta protests, according to a local monitoring group.

The decision to exclude junta-appointed diplomat Wunna Maung Lwin from the meet in Cambodia was "regrettable", the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Monday.

"In this regard,&nbsp;Myanmar's inability to participate or even designate a non-political representative... is inevitable," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-defector-recounts-heavy-losses-inflicted-by-chin-rebels-452562">Also read |&nbsp;Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels</a>

It blamed the exclusion on unnamed member countries still holding on to the "unilateral decision" adopted by the bloc last October, when it barred junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from attending a leaders' meet.

That represented a rare rebuke from ASEAN, long seen as a toothless talking shop, but which has sought to lead diplomatic efforts to tackle the&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;crisis.

Myanmar&nbsp;is increasingly isolated on the international stage, with&nbsp;Cambodian strongman ruler Hun Sen's January visit the first by any foreign leader since the generals seized power.

He met military leader Min Aung Hlaing and the pair discussed peace efforts and the junta's future plans, as well as the role of the ASEAN special envoy, according to the junta.

But violence has continued, with anti-junta groups clashing regularly with the military, and the World Bank has warned&nbsp;Myanmar's economy likely contracted by almost a fifth last year.

Myanmar's junta on Monday said it would not attend an upcoming ASEAN summit after the bloc's "regrettable" exclusion of its top diplomat over a lack of progress in defusing post-coup violence.

Myanmar's junta on Monday said it would not attend an upcoming ASEAN summit after the bloc's "regrettable" exclusion of its top diplomat over a lack of progress in defusing post-coup violence. ASEAN invited Myanmar to send a "non-political representative" to this week's foreign ministers' meeting, citing a lack of progress on a consensus agreed last year to facilitate dialogue with opponents of the coup. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government, with more than 1,500 civilians since killed in crackdowns on anti-junta protests, according to a local monitoring group. The decision to exclude junta-appointed diplomat Wunna Maung Lwin from the meet in Cambodia was "regrettable", the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement on Monday. "In this regard, Myanmar's inability to participate or even designate a non-political representative... is inevitable," it added. Also read | Myanmar army defector recounts heavy losses inflicted by Chin rebels It blamed the exclusion on unnamed member countries still holding on to the "unilateral decision" adopted by the bloc last October, when it barred junta chief Min Aung Hlaing from attending a leaders' meet. That represented a rare rebuke from ASEAN, long seen as a toothless talking shop, but which has sought to lead diplomatic efforts to tackle the Myanmar crisis. Myanmar is increasingly isolated on the international stage, with Cambodian strongman ruler Hun Sen's January visit the first by any foreign leader since the generals seized power. He met military leader Min Aung Hlaing and the pair discussed peace efforts and the junta's future plans, as well as the role of the ASEAN special envoy, according to the junta. But violence has continued, with anti-junta groups clashing regularly with the military, and the World Bank has warned Myanmar's economy likely contracted by almost a fifth last year.

Myanmar junta says won't attend ASEAN summit after 'regrettable' snub

To deal with the plastic pandemic, global leaders have come together to take measures and preserve the ocean from human harm. French president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the high-level session of the One Ocean summit on Friday. He said 2022 was “a decisive year, and we should take here, in Brest, clear and firm commitments.”

Nearly 27 EU states and 16 others have agreed to pursue a global agreement by the end of&nbsp;year. The aim is to regulate the sustainable use of the oceans all across the globe.&nbsp;

US climate envoy, John Kerry said that it was “the ocean that makes life on Earth possible, produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe – and even that is at risk. The ocean and climate are inextricably linked. They’re one and the same.”

During the summit, there were several panels on various commitments to marine protection and tackling climate change.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-tells-allies-russia-may-attack-ukraine-on-february-16-reports-452685">Also read |&nbsp;Biden tells allies Russia may attack Ukraine on February 16: Reports</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-leaders-launch-one-ocean-summit-a-pledge-to-protect-our-marine-life-452722/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The countries participating in the summit said that they would respect the 13 Brest Commitments for Oceans, including protecting biodiversity and ocean resources.&nbsp;

Nearly 84 countries aim to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and sea biodiversity by 2030. Also, many countries joined the "High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People" and "the High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction".&nbsp;

In a bid to finance the restoration of marine ecosystems, France and Colombia launched a global coalition. &nbsp;

The commitments and decisions taken during this summit will be further discussed at the UN Ocean conference in Lisbon, Portugal, in June and during the COP27 in Egypt in the autumn.

(With inputs from agencies)

To deal with the plastic pandemic, global leaders have come together to take measures and preserve the ocean from human harm. French president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the high-level session of the One Ocean summit on Friday.

To deal with the plastic pandemic, global leaders have come together to take measures and preserve the ocean from human harm. French president, Emmanuel Macron, is hosting the high-level session of the One Ocean summit on Friday. He said 2022 was “a decisive year, and we should take here, in Brest, clear and firm commitments.” Nearly 27 EU states and 16 others have agreed to pursue a global agreement by the end of year. The aim is to regulate the sustainable use of the oceans all across the globe. US climate envoy, John Kerry said that it was “the ocean that makes life on Earth possible, produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe – and even that is at risk. The ocean and climate are inextricably linked. They’re one and the same.” During the summit, there were several panels on various commitments to marine protection and tackling climate change. Also read | Biden tells allies Russia may attack Ukraine on February 16: Reports The countries participating in the summit said that they would respect the 13 Brest Commitments for Oceans, including protecting biodiversity and ocean resources. Nearly 84 countries aim to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and sea biodiversity by 2030. Also, many countries joined the "High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People" and "the High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction". In a bid to finance the restoration of marine ecosystems, France and Colombia launched a global coalition. The commitments and decisions taken during this summit will be further discussed at the UN Ocean conference in Lisbon, Portugal, in June and during the COP27 in Egypt in the autumn. (With inputs from agencies)

Global leaders meet at One Ocean Summit, several important decisions taken

The much-awaited BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) will&nbsp;be hosted by Sri Lanka on March 30. Though Sri Lanka is keen to host an in-person summit, there are chances that it will take place in a hybrid format. Most of the member states have given a formal intimation to participate&nbsp;at the summit. It is not yet known whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Sri Lanka or will participate virtually.

The summit will see approval of the BIMSTEC Charter, BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity &amp; BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The group will also work towards finalisation of the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the Motor Vehicles Agreement.

BIMSTEC is a 7-member grouping that includes India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The grouping is more than 20-years-old and was formed in 1997. The last summit took place in Kathmandu in 2018&nbsp;with PM Modi and other member-leaders in attendance. Sri Lanka is the current chair of BIMSTEC. The group has assumed greater importance for New Delhi since SAARC remains hostage to Pakistan. In 2019, India had invited all BIMSTEC heads of government &amp; states for PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony for his second term in office.

Sri Lanka was keen to hold the summit last year but the summit could not take place due to the Covid crisis. In April last year, BIMSTEC foreign ministers met virtually. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended the meet.

The summit in March this year will naturally be in focus because of&nbsp;Myanmar's presence. The country saw a military coup last year February 1 and not many nations have been keen to host the current military leadership of the country. Remember, Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) during its 2021 annual summit did not invite Gen Min Aung Hlaing who seized power in Myanmar.

The much-awaited BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) will be hosted by Sri Lanka on March 30. Though Sri Lanka is keen to host an in-person summit, there are chances that it will take place in a hybrid format.

The much-awaited BIMSTEC Summit (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) will be hosted by Sri Lanka on March 30. Though Sri Lanka is keen to host an in-person summit, there are chances that it will take place in a hybrid format. Most of the member states have given a formal intimation to participate at the summit. It is not yet known whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Sri Lanka or will participate virtually. The summit will see approval of the BIMSTEC Charter, BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity & BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The group will also work towards finalisation of the BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement and the Motor Vehicles Agreement. BIMSTEC is a 7-member grouping that includes India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. The grouping is more than 20-years-old and was formed in 1997. The last summit took place in Kathmandu in 2018 with PM Modi and other member-leaders in attendance. Sri Lanka is the current chair of BIMSTEC. The group has assumed greater importance for New Delhi since SAARC remains hostage to Pakistan. In 2019, India had invited all BIMSTEC heads of government & states for PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony for his second term in office. Sri Lanka was keen to hold the summit last year but the summit could not take place due to the Covid crisis. In April last year, BIMSTEC foreign ministers met virtually. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended the meet. The summit in March this year will naturally be in focus because of Myanmar's presence. The country saw a military coup last year February 1 and not many nations have been keen to host the current military leadership of the country. Remember, Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) during its 2021 annual summit did not invite Gen Min Aung Hlaing who seized power in Myanmar.

Sri Lanka to host BIMSTEC Summit on March 30

India is all set to haul the first India-Central Asia summit today. The highly anticipated summit which will go virtual this time will be hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian PM Modi to host the first virtual India-Central Asia summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to host the first India-Central Asia summit virtually

The third edition of the Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit concludes in Istanbul with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledging 15 Million COVID doses to Africa.

3rd Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit concludes in Istanbul

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet.

In response to a WION question, Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev, said, "The recent Russian Indian summit in New Delhi on December 6 was very successful. Multiple issues were raised. Receiving inputs from Moscow, coming from the Presidential inner circle, namely from his assistant on foreign policy Yuri Ushakov, the sides are currently discussing idea of holding the trilateral, Russia, India and China. This could be expected in nearest future. I do share this news with pride." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-conferred-with-highest-civilian-honour-of-bhutan-heres-what-you-should-know-437675" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honour of Bhutan. Here's what you should know</a>

Asked if it will happen virtually or in person, he said, "It’s too pre mature to say, but anyways, what is important, what matters is it takes place first. Naturally our preference and sincere expectation would be that the three leaders could meet physically." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian President Putin was in India on December 6 for the annual India-Russia summit. Later, he had a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well. India-China ties have been in tatters since Galwan incident last year. It saw Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control with India, leading to death of 20 Indian soldiers. China later confirmed that it lost four of its soldiers, a figure that is doubted given the track record of Chinese government on giving out data. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/under-presumption-of-kittens-indian-farmer-rescues-leopard-cubs-437696" hreflang="en">Under presumption of ‘kittens’, Indian farmer rescues leopard cubs</a>

India and Russia share close ties with defence being the main pillar of partnership. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov recently said that India may be the first buyer of the S500 air defence system. The Russian envoy when asked about the development, said, "Our latest military technology is always open to you. As far as specific targets are concerned, you better raise with military. Our armaments, achievements or technology is always open to you." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The comments of the Russian Deputy PM come as India is getting delivery of S400 systems. The contract for the system was signed during President Putin's India visit in 2018 and deliveries started this month. But there are worries over US CAATSA sanctions on India. Washington is mum as of now if New Delhi will be sanctioned over S400 deal or not.

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future.

Close on the heels of Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov mentioning about Russia, India and China summit at leaders level in the near future, the Russian envoy in Delhi has stated that the summit can happen "in near future. This is my professional and personal expectations" with preference for in-person meet. In response to a WION question, Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev, said, "The recent Russian Indian summit in New Delhi on December 6 was very successful. Multiple issues were raised. Receiving inputs from Moscow, coming from the Presidential inner circle, namely from his assistant on foreign policy Yuri Ushakov, the sides are currently discussing idea of holding the trilateral, Russia, India and China. This could be expected in nearest future. I do share this news with pride." Also Read: Indian PM Modi conferred with highest civilian honour of Bhutan. Here's what you should know Asked if it will happen virtually or in person, he said, "It’s too pre mature to say, but anyways, what is important, what matters is it takes place first. Naturally our preference and sincere expectation would be that the three leaders could meet physically." Russian President Putin was in India on December 6 for the annual India-Russia summit. Later, he had a virtual meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as well. India-China ties have been in tatters since Galwan incident last year. It saw Chinese aggressive action at Line of Actual Control with India, leading to death of 20 Indian soldiers. China later confirmed that it lost four of its soldiers, a figure that is doubted given the track record of Chinese government on giving out data. Also Read: Under presumption of ‘kittens’, Indian farmer rescues leopard cubs India and Russia share close ties with defence being the main pillar of partnership. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov recently said that India may be the first buyer of the S500 air defence system. The Russian envoy when asked about the development, said, "Our latest military technology is always open to you. As far as specific targets are concerned, you better raise with military. Our armaments, achievements or technology is always open to you." The comments of the Russian Deputy PM come as India is getting delivery of S400 systems. The contract for the system was signed during President Putin's India visit in 2018 and deliveries started this month. But there are worries over US CAATSA sanctions on India. Washington is mum as of now if New Delhi will be sanctioned over S400 deal or not.

Preference for Russia, India, China in-person summit : Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev

At the Summit of Democracies today, PM Narendra Modi said social media should empower democracies, and not undermine them. From Myanmar to Bangladesh & even in the US - platforms are weakening democracies. Palki Sharma asks: Will Biden rein in social media giants?

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US President Joe Biden's Summit for Democracy had made a lot of promises. It hoped to shine a spotlight on the importance of election integrity. It also hoped to counter authoritarian regimes, but did it achieve the same?

WION-VOA Co-Production: US President Joe Biden hosts 2-day virtual Democracy Summit

Pakistan has decided to skip Joe Biden's democracy summit without offering a reason. Did China order Imran Khan to reject Biden's invite? Has Pakistan surrendered its foreign policy & sovereignty to Beijing? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Did China order Pakistan to skip Biden's summit?

US President Joe Biden's much-awaited "Summit of Democracies" kicked off today. China and Russia are attacking the event. But, the list of invitees for the summit has sparked a bigger controversy. Is Biden's democracy summit divisive? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Will Biden's Summit of Democaries backfire?

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