From jingle bells to happy new year: How did world welcomed 2025 amid global uncertainty

With the midnight clock striking the world goodnight to 2024 and into the new Year 2025, dazzling fireworks lit up and celebrated around continents. This is despite the many global conflicts and economic woes in the previous year, which would have called for hope and renewal.

Early celebrations: From Kiritimati to Sydney

The Pacific Island nation of Kiribati's Kiritimati (Christmas Island) was the first to welcome 2025, soon followed by New Zealand’s Chatam Islands. Auckland set the tone with a mesmerizing fireworks display, while Fiji celebrated exuberantly as the first nation to mark the occasion. In Australia, major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra came alive with jubilation. Sydney, known as the "world capital of New Year's Eve," lit up the sky with fantastic fireworks coming from its legendary Opera House and Harbour Bridge as a million spectators watched.

Happy New Year 2025 from Sydney, Australiapic.twitter.com/IYLD7RZDmU

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) December 31, 2024

Abu Dhabi set to break world record with staggering 53 minute non-stop New Year’s fireworks display. 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/2Xd5vhDbPC

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) December 31, 2024

Year of turmoil and change

The past year was one that witnessed unprecedented political and social turbulence. From Ukraine and Gaza to climate disasters and armed rebellions, 2024 was the year of trial. Elections in more than 60 countries remade the leadership of the world, from the disputed sixth term of Vladimir Putin in Russia to the third term of Narendra Modi in India. The US witnessed a political earthquake as Donald Trump returned to office, marking the first president since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms. Bangladesh saw Sheikh Hasina's 14 years of rule come to an end as students launched mass protests across the country, showing significant changes in Asia's political landscape.

Inflation and its geopolitical ripples

Rising inflation fueled anti-incumbency around the world. The UK voted in Labour's Keir Starmer, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. The same was true in Portugal, Botswana, Panama, and South Korea. The dominance of tech companies, especially the "Magnificent Seven," highlighted the interplay between technology and economics, capturing more than one-third of the S&P 500's market cap.

What to expect in 2025

The new year will be a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities. Expect global discourse to be dominated by AI and inflation to have eased. This is the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, a grim reminder that geopolitical tensions persist. Cultural and sporting highlights come in the shape of Kumbh Mela, ICC Champions Trophy, and Oasis's reunion, which create moments of unity and joy as the world looks to climate change. Signs of progress in renewable energy and the adoption of electric vehicles offer some hope.