World Welcomes 2025 with Celebrations and Reflections on a Tumultuous Year

Major cities across the globe marked the New Year with fireworks and festivities, while 2024's challenges, including climate crises and geopolitical shifts, shaped hopes for the future.

Sydney led global New Year celebrations with a spectacular fireworks display, drawing over a million spectators to its iconic harbor.
Damas marked its first New Year free from Assad's rule, symbolizing hope after years of civil war and political upheaval.
2024 was recorded as the hottest year in history, with natural disasters like deadly heatwaves and floods highlighting the ongoing climate crisis.
Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency following a contentious election, marked by assassination attempts and legal challenges.
Ukraine's President Zelensky emphasized the dual need for military and diplomatic efforts in 2025 to end the prolonged Russian invasion.