This year’s Bay of Bengal Conversation will feature a deep dive into contemporary issues divided into five key thematic pillars of conversation:

Freedom of the Press and the Rising Spread of Misinformation

Press freedom is perhaps one of the most crucial factors in safeguarding democracy in the contemporary world. The sample case of Bangladesh serves as the ideal example of what role independent journalism can play in removing an authoritarian regime. The UN has continuously reiterated that media freedom is one of the pillars of democratic society and points out the duty of journalists to inform the public and make the authorities responsible to them. On the other hand, however, journalists are getting more and more of these threats, which are, for example, physical violence, legal intimidation, and speech restrictions. The advent of the digital age has exacerbated these difficulties, transforming the internet into a dual-edged sword that enables unrestricted expression while also facilitating the dissemination of false information. Nations globally are called upon to safeguard media freedom, particularly in periods of upheaval and change, recognizing that an unfettered press is vital for a society’s vitality. Guaranteeing media freedom is a complex taskrequiring the involvement of state authorities, community organizations, and global entities to allow the public access to reliable news and journalists to perform their duties without fear of attack. The main issue of disinformation is that it misinforms the public and creates social discord. The resolution of these challenges is a precondition for the press’s credibility and the success of democracies all over the planet.

Green Energy and Climate Change

The global energy dilemma is complex, encompassing the urgency to curtail greenhouse gas emissions and the imperative to overcome energy scarcity. There is a pressing need for large-scale, secure, and eco-friendly energy solutions that are economically viable, as alternatives to fossil fuels are currently insufficient. This deficiency manifests in two critical issues: the detrimental environmental effects due to elevated carbon emissions in affluent countries and the struggle for energy availability in less prosperous areas. The United Nations advocates for the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which have minimal greenhouse gas emissions and are increasingly cost-effective. The role of renewable energy is crucial for a more secure future, providing an escape from the dependency on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. The shift to renewable energy is not solely an ecological necessity but also an economic one, as it frequently represents the most affordable energy option in various regions worldwide. Furthermore, embracing renewable energy can address additional societal concerns, including air pollution and health complications stemming from the use of fossil fuels. Transitioning to green energy also enhances energy security by lessening reliance on imported fuels and reducing susceptibility to geopolitical disturbances.
Nonetheless, expanding these renewable energy sources to fulfil worldwide needs is a challenge. Realizing this vision requires substantial investments in clean energy infrastructure, along with supportive policies and global collaboration. The journey ahead is formidable, yet the rewards of transitioning to green energy are evident and achievable through united efforts and ingenuity.

Global trade and economic issues 

For 2024, specialists have forecasted a substantial surge in worldwide commerce, with the potential to more than double the previous year’s figures. This positive projection is attributed to factors such as subdued inflation rates, a strong US economy, and a general uptick in economic activities. Nevertheless, the global economic landscape is not without its challenges, which pose a threat to this anticipated growth. The disparity between developed nations and emerging markets is a persistent issue. Leading international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) are all predicting an increase in global trade activity. For example, the OECD projects a growth in trade of goods and services by 2.3% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025, marking a considerable improvement from the 1% growth recorded in 2023. This follows a period of deceleration in global trade, which was impacted by rising interest rates, escalating prices, and a plateau in demand. Inflation has been a significant concern across economies globally, but it is expected to subside, potentially leading central banks to reduce interest rates. However, real interest rates are anticipated to stay above neutral levels, influencing borrowing costs and investment choices.

The IMF’s World Economic Outlook predicts a consistent economic expansion of 3.2% for both 2024 and 2025, with a modest increase for advanced economies and a slightly lower growth rate for emerging and developing economies. Emerging markets have experienced a notable rise in their contribution to global trade, with China now accounting for 15% of all global exports. Commerce for unfinished products, components, and services, representing 70% of all trade, has significantly propelled this growth. The BRICS nations have especially gained from this trend, with their share in total global trade experiencing a remarkable increase in recent times. The present condition of global trade is also shaped by the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted trade patterns, and the ongoing impact of geopolitical conflicts, such as the conflict in Ukraine. These factors have increased energy and food costs, increasing interest rates and economic instability. Tackling these issues necessitates a comprehensive strategy, including reforming global trade to foster sustainable, resilient, and equitable growth. As the global trade framework continues to evolve, it is imperative to ensure that trade regulations are equitable and adapt to the global economy shifts, focusing on areas where multilateral trade regulations are in place and where substantial barriers and state subsidies impede international competition.

The landscape of global conflict and geopolitics 

The persistent conflict between Israel and Palestine has consequences that ripple well beyond their borders. The recent intensification of hostilities has prompted a notable hike in global oil prices, with crude oil reaching approximately $90 per barrel. This increase exerts pressure on the global economy, especially affecting nations that depend heavily on oil imports. Historically, the conflict has been a source of heightened geopolitical strain and humanitarian distress, marked by a significant number of casualties and forced relocations. It also poses challenges to international trade, as disturbances may necessitate longer, more expensive shipping routes. Additionally, there has been an uptick in worldwide antisemitism and Islamophobia, underscoring the conflict’s influence on societal harmony and intergroup relations. In addition, the past year witnessed intense conflicts in Europe and growing strains among major global powers, including the US and China, over Taiwan, with ongoing risks of confrontation in areas like the Korean peninsula and between Iran and Israel. The widespread use of drones and other advanced technologies has further escalated the number of deaths due to conflict and intensified geopolitical rivalry. These trends indicate the potential emergence of a multipolar or divided global order, which could lead to a phase of instability and a moderate risk of worldwide calamities. In facing these challenges, it is essential for the international community to remain well-informed and actively involved. Addressing the root causes and exploring viable resolutions to conflicts necessitates a comprehensive strategy that encompasses political, economic, and social aspects. Through such a holistic perspective, individuals and countries can strive to cultivate a more secure and harmonious international environment.

Human Rights

The Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2024 sheds light on pressing human rights issues, pinpointing the concealment of wartime crimes, selective indignation by governments, and a transactional foreign policy that overlooks the plight of disenfranchised communities. Persistent conflicts in Ukraine, Myanmar, Ethiopia, and the Sahel inflict profound distress, with climate change further aggravating the plight of countless individuals, notably in Bangladesh, Libya, and Canada. The global rise in economic disparity is stoking dissatisfaction with policies that leave numerous people in dire straits. The persecution of women, girls, and LGBT+ individuals is intensifying in several regions, exemplified by the Taliban’s gender-based oppression in Afghanistan. These crises demand a unified, principled approach anchored in the international human rights framework and legal principles established by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago. The report from Human Rights Watch signals a worldwide downturn in human rights, with an uptick in wartime atrocities, the stifling of human rights advocates, and governmental assaults on the foundational principles and laws of universal human rights. Amnesty International’s report, covering 155 nations, interlinks global and regional dilemmas and their prospective impact. The US has imposed sanctions on human rights violators and backed international judicial systems, but it has also supplied military aid to nations with dubious human rights records. In India, UN specialists have called for remedial measures to safeguard human rights and halt assaults on minority groups, underscoring issues such as violence, hate crimes, and bias as major concerns. Tackling these challenges necessitates a collective endeavour from all parties involved, including state authorities, civil society, and global institutions. The defence of human rights is not merely a moral obligation but also a crucial element for the advancement and stability of the world.