By Saltanat Hussain
Wars, riots, atrocities, and more wars – 2025 was riddled with complications and conflicts that would well stand out in the annals of history. Yet amazingly, even amidst all this negativity, it was a very positive year.
Here are five positive things that happened in 2025.
1) When the World Chose Dialogue Over Destruction
The Middle East peace efforts took center stage in 2025.
On October 13th, 2025, world powers held the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, and a multilateral plan was advanced to end the long-running Gaza conflict. Leaders from around 30 nations participated in discussions on peace implementation and reconstruction.
The “Board of Peace” charter was signed at the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. It is an international initiative aimed at lasting peace in conflict-affected regions, especially Gaza.
2) Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City Mayor, Marks Historic First
History unfolded at City Hall as Zohran Mamdani, 34, was sworn in as the 112th Mayor of New York City, marking a bold new chapter for America’s largest city, CBS News reported. He became the first Muslim and first South Asian to hold the office. He won the 2025 elections after a closely watched campaign that drew national attention.
Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda and raised in Queens. His victory signaled a high immigrant spirit amid the tension in the USA regarding the same. He was earlier a New York state assembly member. Working-class, immigrant families and newly added participants were at the centre of his campaign.
Mamdani, in his inaugural address, mentioned that he “works for everyone, not just the wealthy” and makes housing facilities, economic equity and social services his agenda of work.
3) Wildlife Bounces Back in 2025 as Conservation Success Stories Multiply
In 2025, sustainable efforts showed measurable results in the conservation of wildlife species.
The tiger population across India more than doubled in key reserves due to strict protection measures. According to the United Nations Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) data, the survival rate of Rhinos and Mountain gorillas improved in Africa, supported by advanced anti-poaching patrols and community conservation programs. Similarly, due to long-term habitat conservation efforts, the Giant Pandas in China have undergone speedy recovery.
The number of whales improved in protected marine regions, and green sea turtle nesting recovered in monitored coastlines, according to the Global Wildlife Center. Thus, in 2025, commitment to conservation efforts pushed many wildlife species out of threat, although many future plans of wildlife protection needed to be worked upon.
4) The Year AI Leapt Into the Future
The year 2025 marked a major breakthrough in artificial intelligence, with machines demonstrating unprecedented creativity and problem-solving skills.
Machines can now build autonomous algorithms to solve complex mathematical problems and optimise data centres. The moving example is that of Google DeepMind’s AlphaEvolve, which can push the boundaries of human knowledge.
The first time virtual world creation took place as Google’s Genie 3 converted simple text prompts into interactive 3D environments. 2025 marked a turning point in AI, as it emerged as a partner in research and innovation, enhancing efficiency and transforming industries worldwide.
5) Historic Medical Advances in Regenerative Therapies and Organ Transplants
2025 brought hope for millions through historic breakthroughs in the field of medicine. Regenerative medicine made headlines in the field of healthcare innovation. It was an experimental wonder that came true when the top medical experts harnessed the body’s inherent regenerative abilities to transform treatment methods for tissue injuries. Similarly, doctors paved the way in biotech with innovations in Xenotransplantation, 3D bioprinting and stem cells.
AI, here also, helped redefine the healthcare industry. Tools like ClinicalKey help doctors offer real-time support. In 2025, AI has reshaped the medical field in meaningful ways.
