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If you’re struggling to remember positive news about 2024, you’re not alone. 

2024 was a tumultuous year. As a humanitarian organization working in 40 countries around the world, the ̽����ѡ is deeply concerned about the state of the world going into 2025. Our Emergency Watchlist for next year depicts a “world out of balance” in which conflict, climate change and inequality are leading to deteriorating humanitarian crises in the countries where we work.

However, there were positive stories that gave us hope and inspired us this year – here’s our top picks.

1. Cindy Ngamba became the first Refugee Olympic Team medalist

Cindy Ngamba made history by securing the Refugee Olympic Team's first medal this year. Born in Cameroon, Ngamba has lived in the UK for 15 years (and is still fighting to be granted UK citizenship, fearing persecution in her birth country). After winning a scholarship with the IOC Refugee Team, she became the first female boxer to represent the team in the games.

2. We learned new ways AI is being used for good 

Artificial Intelligence has been the trending topic of 2024, and the “AI for Good” conference brought together leading tech companies like Google and OpenAI with humanitarian organizations (like the ̽����ѡ) to identify and accelerate practical humanitarian uses for AI.

For example, is an AI-driven chatbot with a vision to reach millions of children who cannot access education due to conflict and crises.

Nazia raises her hand to answer a question in class. Could ed-tech support students affected by crises to return to education?

Photo: Mahab Azizi for the ̽����ѡ

3. One million doses for 'zero-dose' children

In February we announced that one million doses of life-saving vaccines have been administered to children across Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan, thanks to the Zero-Dose Immunization Program (ZIP). The program aims to identify and vaccinate children living in fragile settings beyond the reach of health services. 

̽����ѡ staff traverse through a flooded village for vaccination outreach in Koch County, South Sudan.

“Children living in hard-to-reach communities now have a fighting chance for a better future,” said Thabani Maphosa, managing director of country programs delivery at Gavi.

4. ̽����ѡ psychologist in Syria recognized in BBC's 'Women of the Year'

̽����ѡ psychologist Samia has been chosen as one of the most inspiring and influential women worldwide by the . Samia offers psychological support to displaced communities in northeast Syria. Her work is fueled by both personal experience and a strong belief in the vital role mental health support plays in recovering from crisis.

Farah* spends time with her children in Raqqa, Syria, at the ̽����ѡ Integrated Protection Center. The centre is a safe space where families affected by the war can receive support such as psychosocial sessions.

Photo: Iuna Vieira for the ̽����ѡ

5. The Hussaini family reunited at Ramadan

For the Hussaini family, 2024 marked their first Ramadan all together after being torn apart during their escape from Afghanistan in August 2021. Reunited in Salt Lake City, Hazar, Sanowbar, and their eight children came together to share in the joy of preparing iftar meals to break their fasts. Read their story.

“When our daughters were apart from us we were counting the days, we couldn't be relaxed, we were always in this deep anxiety thinking ‘Where are they and what are they doing?’" says mother, Sanowbar. "Now they are here, we’ve just lost track of time and we are not anxious anymore.”

Photo: James Roh for the ̽����ѡ

6. Mon Rovia's journey from refugee to music star illustrated the power of resilience

The Afro Appalachian folk artist released his new single, in October. The song reflects his personal experiences as a refugee and his desire to shed light on the struggles faced by those displaced by conflict and crisis, with proceeds from the song support the ̽����ѡ’s humanitarian efforts.

The song addresses the feelings of helplessness and apathy many people experience when faced with global events, but urging listeners to engage with and care for those in need. Read more about Mon Rovia's story.

Mon Rovia's music tackles the apathy he sees in response to world events. "In these unprecedented times, it's more important than ever to find better ways to care for and love our neighbours"

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the person