As the world stands on the brink of another year of peace and prosperity for more than 8 billion people on Earth, let us reflect on the movers and shakers of 2024. Reflection is crucial because the future is not a far-off point; it comes daily and must be noticed and understood. Profound and pronounced developments and disruptions have shaped and influenced people and the Earth. In 2024, we witnessed geopolitical shifts and their impact on trade, supply chain, and global security, ensuing international conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, economic uncertainty marked by interest rate hikes, inflation, and potential signs of recession, and climate change's poses the most alarming grand challenge with increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather conditions. Discussions on Artificial Intelligence advancement gain momentum as the world grapples with its positive and negative ramifications. While 2024 is marked with challenges, there is also a brighter side. Artificial intelligence has provided innovative solutions in healthcare and climate change. Scientists have expanded their knowledge of space exploration. Another positive aspect is increased global awareness of sustainability and climate change, visible through increased participation in dialogue, activism and policy changes.
2024 witnessed 60 countries going for elections. 50% of the world population has voted to elect their country’s leaders. This uprise in elections has tested the resilience of democratic mechanics. Global discussions and debates on artificial intelligence gain momentum as the world grapples with ethical concerns and unprecedented job market ramifications. Technological advancements, combined with the malicious intent of some individuals, have resulted in sophisticated cybersecurity attacks targeting businesses and individuals. Social and political polarisation has also divided societies, further threatening social peace and political stability at a global scale.
In 2024, many countries across the world experienced leadership change. The UK and Mexico saw new leaders and in the USA, Donald Trump won the elections to become the president for the second term in the White House. This development in the USA's elections will have far-reaching implications for global geopolitics and American foreign policy shifts. The Russia-Ukraine war has entered its third year and the Israel-Hamas conflict has intensified and expanded to engulf other countries in the Middle East, jeopardising the region's stability. 2024 has witnessed the impact of these prolonged conflicts on global security, economic instability and humanitarian mechanisms. As we draw the curtain on 2024 in a few days, these two prolonged international conflicts continue to scar people and stain lands with blood as the global community and governments remain defeated to resolve these impending concerns through diplomatic dialogue and peace negotiations.
Syrians celebrate their freedom with the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime, opening a pandora's box of possibilities and challenges. Australia made global headlines with groundbreaking legislation banning social media use for children under 16. This law, considered the world's strictest regulation targeting social media use by minors, affects major platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, and X and could set a precedent for similar legislation worldwide; the BRICS group has expanded to include Iran, UAE, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. The BRICS nations' dialogue on a single currency has intensified significantly, signaling a monumental shift in the economic global order and reshaping international trade and monetary policies.
The year saw its share of natural disasters. Japan experienced a 7.6-magnitude earthquake and Sweden experienced the lowest temperature at -43.60C; Southeast East Asia had unprecedented, severe and widespread heat waves. Southern Africa experienced severe drought conditions primarily influenced by the El Niño phenomenon and ongoing climate change. 2024 saw eighteen named storms, eleven hurricanes and five major hurricanes that devastated many countries.
2024 has seen remarkable shifts in the global landscape; political changes, economic challenges, technological and scientific advancement have impacted countries differently. Though nations and communities faced severe weather predicaments, the world stands committed to resolving the issues with innovation and collective engagement. The world awaits the beginning of 2025 with wisdom from the lessons of 2024 and hopes that an unfettered collective global action will create a sustainable and safe future for Mother Earth and all its inhabitants.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
