The year 2023 was meaningful and exciting not only in Azerbaijan, but also for all the countries of the world. Whether the increase in armed conflicts, the development of artificial intelligence, the redrawing of the map of energy resources and the emergence of "Green Energy", I can say that the world is changing rapidly. This year we fully felt that we have officially come out of the pandemic period. Now the world looks different compared to a very short time - 1-2 years ago. Now, let's take a look at how this meaningful year will affect 2024 and what trends it can possibly bring to the world:
Peace and tranquility...
Although there is a long history of enmity between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the enmity between the two countries turned into a bloody conflict more than 30 years ago. This bloody conflict left unforgettable memories for both Azerbaijan and Armenia. Even the enmity reached such a level that there was no hope for peace between these two countries in the region. In September 2023, the glorious army of Azerbaijan lowered the "tetris"-like flag of the separatists in Khankendi, raised the glorious flag of Azerbaijan and established the territorial integrity of the country, which gave impetus to peace and even brought a different perspective to the region. For the first time in their history, the two countries are making a joint statement and are getting closer to peace. Of course, it's a pity that we couldn't bring this glorious year to its peak with a peace agreement for our country, but it is highly probable that it will happen in the first months of 2024.
A year of global elections...
Next year, another significant event will take place in the history of the world. In 2024, elections will be held in about 70 countries, including our country. This year, 4.2 billion people could possibly participate in the elections. It seems relatively unlikely that there will be very big changes in the geopolitical sphere, but mainly the elections in the USA and the EU should be kept in mind. We may enter the period of Cold War II.
"Year of Solidarity for the Green World"...
The "trend" of switching to green energy, which was actively on the agenda this year, will continue to maintain its relevance next year. This trend will bring with it a different perspective. Along with it, it will create superpowers in line with this trend, creating conditions for redrawing the map of natural resources. It is also certain that new collaborations will emerge. Azerbaijan also plans to actively participate in this field next year, not lagging behind this trend. It will even host the "COP29" event in November of next year in accordance with climate issues and the development of green energy. Even the president of our country Ilham Aliyev celebrated the next year as "Year of Solidarity for the Green World". As a country that is rich in oil resources and considering its economy mainly depends on it, it is a very positive thing that we are operating in this direction. It should be kept in mind that oil resources in the world, including Azerbaijan, are expected to run out by the end of our century. That is, of course a prediction, and the probability of it, is certainly high. Let's not forget that this is a depleting energy resource and is very harmful to the environment. Our development in this direction is inevitable. Let's hope that this year, as in the UAE, we will not make any shocking statements like "it's a great opportunity for discussing oil cooperation with different countries."
Stand up Europe…
The year we will leave behind for the old continent will undoubtedly be remembered with different emotions. At the beginning of the year, we saw the signs of the development of the EU in Ukraine, the South Caucasus region, and the world peace within itself, but as the months passed, those signs began to disappear. First of all, the uprisings in Africa, the migration problem, the prolongation of the Ukraine crisis and the inability to ensure peace in the South Caucasus have destroyed the reputation of the Alliance. As if these were not enough, the emergence of the Gaza crisis made his role as a mediator a complete fiasco. The future of the Union, which is currently struggling with the problem of Hungary's veto on Ukraine, does not look bright. Even the desire to take self-destructive countries like Ukraine and Moldova into the EU seems quite scary. The EU must understand that development is not horizontal but deep. By expanding, it shortens its life. As in the Cold War, the main actor of the US-Russia conflict is Europe. Of course, they will also get their share of this global election trend. But it is to be hoped that the rising far-right will step in in favor of the Union. Reforms are a must.
Global recession...
Western economies performed better than expected in 2023, but they are still not far from danger, and a longer period of interest rate "stays" will be a painful period for companies and consumers, even if they avoid recession. According to the IMF's forecasts, the background of the continuation of the current conflicts, it is expected that there may be an economic crisis.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a reality...
Many businesses are already embracing the reality of artificial intelligence and increasing their use. Many tech companies have already entered the big competition. Even this year international conferences on the future of artificial intelligence were organized with the participation of many countries. The European Union has also adopted a draft law on its use. Countries that will lag behind this innovation will undoubtedly lose a lot. The future of AI looks both dangerous and promising.
Akbar Novruz
