Looking back at 2024, it is easy to see that it was yet another eventful year full of breakthroughs, unexpected developments, and turmoil, with new global protagonists emerging and new fascinating tales making their way into the history books. Let us take a closer look at everything that transpired over the course of the last year, and how it may affect the way we approach our daily lives going forward into 2025.

• In 2024, elections took place in 74 nations, involving almost half of the world’s population. 

• The United States made headlines as Donald Trump was re-elected President, becoming the first leader to serve non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland.

• In Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum broke new ground as the country’s first female President, marking a major step forward for gender equality. 

• Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom saw Keir Starmer become Prime Minister, ushering in a transformative phase in British politics. 

• In Austria, the far-right Freedom Party achieved a landmark legislative victory, the first such result for a far-right European party since World War II.

• The Russia-Ukraine war extended into its third year, with Ukrainian counter-offensives dominating global headlines. In a pivotal move, the U.S. approved long-range strikes on Russian targets, heightening the conflict’s global stakes.

• In the Middle East, hostilities escalated as Israel’s confrontation with Hamas expanded to include Hezbollah and Iran. However, Syria saw a momentous shift as rebels successfully ousted the Assad regime, concluding years of autocratic rule.

• In the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian crisis has reached unprecedented levels. The United Nations reports that 2.2 million people are experiencing emergency-level food insecurity, with over half a million facing starvation. This situation is considered the most severe man-made famine since World War II. The destruction of infrastructure, including bakeries and food stores, coupled with restricted humanitarian aid, has exacerbated the crisis. The United Nations has described the situation as an "entirely man-made disaster," emphasizing the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian access to alleviate the suffering of Gaza's civilian population.

The European Union set a global precedent in tech governance by passing the Artificial Intelligence Act, the first comprehensive legislation addressing AI and its rapid advancements. This groundbreaking framework aims to balance ethical considerations with technological advancement, tackling critical issues like privacy, accountability, and bias in AI applications. By introducing a risk-based approach, the Act categorizes AI systems according to their potential impact on individuals and society, from minimal to high risk. It also sets stringent requirements for high-risk applications, such as facial recognition and automated decision-making, to ensure transparency and compliance with ethical standards.

Space exploration soared in 2024. China’s Chang’e-6 mission retrieved samples from the moon’s far side, offering invaluable insights into its geology and origins. Additionally, SpaceX’s Starship achieved a crucial milestone with a vertical landing, moving humanity closer to crewed missions to Mars. These advancements highlight the rapid progress in space technology, with international collaborations and private sector innovations driving the future of interplanetary exploration. Both missions mark significant steps toward understanding our celestial neighbors and expanding humanity's presence beyond Earth.

The urgency of climate action intensified as 2024 was declared the hottest year on record. Global temperatures surpassed pre-industrial averages by 1.5°C, underscoring the dire need for coordinated international climate strategies. Catastrophic wildfires, heatwaves, and floods dominated the news, emphasizing the importance of sustainable solutions.

• In a global health triumph, Cameroon introduced routine malaria vaccinations for children, tackling a disease long endemic to the region. 

• Significant progress was also made in HIV research, with promising vaccine trials. Efforts to produce affordable insulin marked another milestone, advancing diabetes care equity worldwide.

The Paris Olympics captivated audiences worldwide, celebrating unity and sporting excellence. Meanwhile, Spain’s football team made history by securing their fourth European Championship, defeating England 2-1 in a thrilling Euro 2024 final. Both of these events will be remembered as highlights of a year that celebrated the spirit of competition and international camaraderie.

• Amid global challenges, moments of joy emerged, such as the viral popularity of Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo that became an internet icon. This endearing creature served as a reminder of nature’s wonders and the simple joy of shared smiles. 

• The year also saw the global phenomenon of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, which redefined concert experiences and brought together millions of fans worldwide. 

• "Brat Summer" became a defining trend, blending nostalgia with modern fashion as it dominated social media and inspired countless looks.

The global economy saw a mix of growth and hardship in 2024. While some regions celebrated post-pandemic recovery, others struggled with inflation and mounting debt. A historic trade pact between the U.S. and the EU revitalized transatlantic trade, fostering closer economic cooperation. In Africa, industrialization efforts gained traction, fueled by growing investments in renewable energy and manufacturing.

Despite geopolitical tensions, cultural preservation initiatives gained momentum. The United Nations launched a global effort to safeguard endangered cultural sites, emphasizing the importance of protecting history for future generations. In Afghanistan, partial restoration of the Bamiyan Buddhas offered hope for cultural revival and resilience.

Transportation saw groundbreaking progress with the introduction of electric air taxis in cities like Singapore and Los Angeles, showcasing the rise of sustainable mobility. Additionally, India debuted its first high-speed rail line, marking a significant leap in South Asia’s infrastructure development.

Cyprus witnessed pivotal developments in 2024 that shaped its political, economic, and cultural landscape.

• Fidias Panayiotou, a 24-year-old Cypriot YouTuber with over 2.6 million subscribers, was elected as an independent Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in June 2024, securing 19.4% of the vote in Cyprus. 

• The 50th anniversary of the events of 1974 was commemorated with nationwide events, emphasizing unity and reflection on Cyprus’ modern history.

• The Limassol Marathon celebrated record participation this year, solidifying its reputation as a premier international sporting event in the region.

• Significant progress was achieved in U.S.-Cyprus dialogue, advancing discussions on visa-free travel for Cypriot citizens, a longstanding national aspiration.

• Furthermore, the island made significant strides in renewable energy, achieving an increased percentage of energy production from solar power. These events underscored Cyprus' role as a dynamic player in regional and global affairs.

• Finally, on September 17th, the government approved a plan to build an undersea electricity cable to link the country’s electric grid with Greece. Its construction is estimated to cost 1.9 billion euros.