The year 2024 has unfolded as one of profound global upheaval and tension, with major political, social and humanitarian crises dominating headlines around the world. From the halls of power in Washington to the besieged streets of kyiv, the world stands at a fundamental crossroads.
The American elections
In the United States, the race for the presidency captured international attention, with fierce debates over democracy, economic inequality and climate policy.
In a decisive victory, Arizona turned red in the final count of the US presidential election, giving President-elect Donald Trump 11 electoral votes and raising his total to 312, well above the threshold of 270 needed to win.
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump's main rival, was left behind with 226 electoral votes, according to US networks.
Trump's victory in Arizona marked the completion of a sweep of the seven key states, securing another crucial state that had supported Joe Biden in 2020.
The election is shaping up to be one of the most polarizing in recent history, with candidates offering starkly different visions for the nation's future.
Accusations of disinformation campaigns and electoral interference have only added fuel to an already incendiary political landscape.
Iran-Israel conflict
The Middle East has once again become the epicenter of global unrest as tensions between Iran and Israel escalate into open conflict.
The war has sparked condemnation and concern from nations around the world, with fears that a broader regional conflict is looming. Civilians on both sides are hardest hit, with humanitarian organizations struggling to provide aid amid the chaos.
plane accidents
A series of tragic plane crashes has renewed scrutiny on aviation safety in 2024. South Korea plane crash (December 28, 2024): A Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air crashed at Muan Airport in South Korea, killing 179 people.
Azerbaijan plane crash (December 25, 2024): A Kazakhstan Airlines plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 39 people and leaving 29 survivors.
Brazil VoePass plane crash (August 11, 2024): An ATR-72 operated by VoePass crashed in Vinhedo, Brazil, killing all 62 people on board.
Nepal small plane crash (July 24, 2024): A CRJ-200 operated by Saurya Airlines crashed in Kathmandu, Nepal, killing 19 people and leaving 1 survivor.
Russia-Ukraine War: No end in sight
The protracted war between Russia and Ukraine continues to take a devastating toll, with no solution in sight.
Despite international sanctions and diplomatic efforts, the conflict has escalated, displacing millions of people and destabilizing Eastern Europe.
Both nations remain locked in a deadly stalemate, with global economic repercussions spilling outward.
Protests in Kenya
In Kenya, widespread protests against government corruption, inflation and unemployment have gripped the nation. Protesters, led by youth movements and civil society groups, have faced violent repression by security forces.
There, demonstrations led by the so-called Generation Z, the name given to the cohort of young people between 13 and 27 years old, forced President William Ruto to dismiss his entire cabinet and repeal an unpopular tax increase bill. This also inspired neighboring Uganda to hold a brief protest.
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Global inflation: a shared struggle
Rising inflation continues to plague economies around the world, exacerbating inequality and eroding purchasing power.
From food prices in developing countries to energy costs in Europe, inflation has become a universal concern.
Central banks are struggling to balance interest rate increases to curb inflation while avoiding economic recessions, leaving millions of people in financial uncertainty.
According to recent UN statements, the organization is expressing concern about the current global inflation crisis, calling for more “pragmatic” policies from central banks to address it, particularly highlighting the need for coordinated international action to address supply chain disruptions. and the volatility of raw material prices. which contribute greatly to the increase in inflation around the world.
The climate crisis: a silent emergency
Overshadowed by geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis continues to wreak havoc. Unprecedented heat waves, catastrophic flooding and devastating wildfires have highlighted the urgency of global action. However, meaningful progress remains elusive as nations grapple with competing priorities.