Year in Review
This year has been a year of contrasts, challenge and success with lockdowns and restrictions to control the spread of the global pandemic that has engulfed the world. In some places, the response to the pandemic has been aided by advanced technology with hot spot testing being used to allow restrictions to be loosened. Remote working has also been developed and thrive in many countries leading to new advancements in technology and workplaces.
In the corporate world, CEOs and executive officers have experienced challenges and successes, embracing the new virtual board meetings and pivoting their ambitions for the future of their companies. Businesses have had to adapt to the new economic environment created by the pandemic, with many companies closing their physical offices and relying on virtual platforms for meetings and communications. The global stock markets have experienced drastic swings, with many equities and shares recovering from the depths of the first financial crisis but still providing challenges for investors.
At the individual level, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness and resilience from people across the world in what has been a tumultuous year. From health care workers on the front line, grocery store workers and those providing life sustaining services, to the small business owners with the courage to fight back, to the members of our families that have gone above and beyond to help us all through this turbulent year - we are forever grateful.
In the technology industry, this year has been one of tremendous change and disruption, with growing numbers of companies adopting cloud-based services to support remote working and continued operations during the pandemic. AI and machine learning technologies have become more accessible, allowing businesses to develop more focused strategies, while blockchain networks continue to bridge the digital divide between companies and consumers. The availability of 5G services across the world is deepening, with many countries launching initiatives to boost data speeds and communication capabilities.
At the international level, this has been a year of historic progress in denuclearization talks, with key meetings between some of the world’s biggest powers. The US-China trade deal and the UK-EU Brexit deal have also been agreed, boosting global confidence and stability. On the climate front, countries have continued to adopt cleaner energy sources as well as green technology, promoting sustainable development around the world.
Amidst all of these successes, we cannot forget a tragedy of 2020 - the incalculable human cost of the pandemic. Memories of those affected by the virus will remain with us, and we must continue to remember them with courage and compassion. As we look to the new year, let us be filled with hope and determination that 2021 will bring us all closer to a better, safer future.
