Overview

• 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.