Global Political Calendar: WHO accelerates 2019-nCoV research
CGTN

The World Health Organization (WHO) is holding an international conference on coronavirus vaccine research, Iran celebrates Islamic Revolution's Victory Day and 2020 Munich Security Conference kicked off.

WHO accelerates research and innovation for new coronavirus

The WHO is convening a global research and innovation forum to mobilize international action in response to the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) February 11-12 in Geneva.

Read more: What we know so far about the 2019-nCov

The forum will bring together key players including leading scientists as well as public health agencies, ministries of health and research funders, according to the WHO's official website.

Participants will discuss several areas of research, including identifying the source of the virus as well as sharing biological samples and genetic sequences. The meeting is expected to produce a global research agenda for the new coronavirus, setting priorities and frameworks that can guide which projects are undertaken first.

Iran marks Islamic Revolution's Victory Day

February 11 is Islamic Revolution's Victory Day, also known as the Anniversary of Islamic Revolution. This national holiday commemorates the end of the Iranian Revolution.

Every year on this day, large rallies and marches take place through the boulevards of Iran's cities in remembrance of those who died for the independence and to pay tribute to Ayatollah Khomeini and his role in liberating the country.

In Tehran, the marches end at Azadi (Liberty) Square which has become the focal point of annual celebrations. The day is also marked by firework displays in the evening.

2020 Munich Security Conference

The 56th Munich Security Conference (MSC) will take place on February 14-16 in Munich. Founded in 1963, the MSC hosts hundreds of high-ranking officials and dozens of world leaders each year to discuss security challenges.

The conference covers a wide range of security-related topics, including transatlantic and European issues, as well as emerging challenges for the international community.

Participants this year include Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, French President Emmanuel Macron and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif, among others, according to the MSC official website.

Day by day:

Monday: Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon delivers a speech on Scotland's European future after Brexit; Indonesian President Joko Widodo delivers an address to a joint session of the Australian parliament; European Commission vice president Margrethe Vestager holds debate with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell on the European Defense in Brussels; German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban issue statements before meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko holds a news conference in Rome, U.S. President Donald Trump holds rally on eve of New Hampshire presidential primary.

Tuesday: Iran marks Islamic Revolution's Victory Day, WHO holds international conference on coronavirus vaccine research, Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon visits Kenya, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg holds news conference ahead a meeting of the military alliance's defense ministers, European Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi visits Ukraine (to February 12), South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers a speech to celebrate 30 years since Nelson Mandela was freed from jail, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses Security Council on U.S. Mideast plan.

Wednesday: NATO Defense ministers holds a two-day meeting at the military alliance's headquarters in Brussels (to February 13), Senegal's President Macky Sall meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Joe Biden holds primary night watch party with supporters

Thursday: Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo pays four-day visit to India (to February 16), U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo travels to Germany, Senegal, Angola, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Oman (to February 22), South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers state of the national address in parliament.

Friday: 15th anniversary of the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, 2020 Munich Security Conference opens (to February 16).

Saturday: U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo makes his first visit to Africa, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro calls military exercises in the countries' main cities.

Sunday: EU Council President Charles Michel meets with leaders from Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Kosovo.