By Jordi Bou

Events in September include the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the contest to find a new Japanese prime minister, crucial elections in three states of East Germany, a presidential election in Sri Lanka, the opening of a new NATO command centre in Germany, Pope Francis’ trip to Asia, Apple’s launch event, and the 100th birthday of former US President Jimmy Carter.

September, Germany: NATO’s new command to coordinate arms supplies to Ukraine will become operational in Wiesbaden. The base will be led by a three-star general with a team of 700 personnel.

September 1, 22, Germany: Thuringia, Saxony and Brandenburg hold elections that could shake up the country’s political landscape. Opinion polls suggest the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) could come first in all three states.

September 2-13, Asia: Pope Francis, 87, is to take the longest trip of his 11-year papacy despite health concerns, travelling to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore. The pope also plans to visit Luxembourg and Belgium on September 26-29.

Graphic shows selected news events in September 2024. Graphic News

September 9, US: Apple holds a launch event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where it is expected to announce details of the iPhone 16 and other new devices.

September 10, US: Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican opponent Donald Trump to debate on ABC, setting up the first face-to-face match-up in the closely-fought race.

September 17, US: A musical gala honouring the life of former President Jimmy Carter takes place at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, ahead of his 100th birthday on October 1.

September 21, Sri Lanka: Namal Rajapaksa, heir apparent to the powerful Rajapaksa family, runs in the presidential election, taking on the incumbent, Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has shepherded the nation through its worst financial crisis in decades.

September 27, Japan: The ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a contest to replace Fumio Kishida as its president and therefore prime minister. He is to step down after public discontent over political scandals and rising living costs.

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