2022
2021 (MMXXI) was a common year starting on Friday, January 1st, of the Gregorian calendar. The year was marked by significant global events, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, political upheavals, natural disasters, and advances in science and technology.
Events
January
- January 19: The COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect countries worldwide, with new variants emerging and vaccination campaigns ongoing.
- January 24: Escalations in Eastern Europe saw Russia amassing troops near Ukraine's border, raising international concerns of potential conflict.
February
- February 4–20: The 2022 Winter Olympics were held in Beijing, China.
- February 24: Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to widespread international condemnation and significant geopolitical ramifications.
March
- March 1: Major battles occur across Ukraine, including the siege of Mariupol, resulting in substantial civilian casualties and displacement.
- March 2: Western nations impose severe economic sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
April
- April 24: Emmanuel Macron was re-elected as President of France, defeating Marine Le Pen in a runoff.
May
- May 9: Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, won the presidential election in the Philippines.
- May 26–28: The 48th G7 summit was held in Germany, focusing on the global economy, climate change, and the Ukraine crisis.
June
- June 5: The United States announced further military aid to Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
- June 9: The Summit of the Americas was held in Los Angeles, focusing on regional issues and migration.
July
- July 8: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during a campaign speech in Nara, Japan.
- July 31: The United Nations reported that over 5 million Ukrainians had fled the country since the invasion began.
August
- August 8: The FBI raided former U.S. President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate as part of an investigation into classified documents.
- August 24: Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
September
- September 8: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom passed away at the age of 96, marking the end of her 70-year reign.
- September 30: Russia formally annexed four Ukrainian regions following referendums widely condemned by the international community.
October
- October 2: The Brazilian general election saw former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeating incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in a highly contested race.
- October 16: Xi Jinping secured a third term as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party during the 20th National Congress.
- October 30: The collapse of a suspension bridge in Gujarat, India, left at least 135 dead.
November
- November 8: The United States held its midterm elections, resulting in a divided Congress.
- November 15: The world's population reached 8 billion according to United Nations estimates.
December
- December 7: Peru's President Pedro Castillo was impeached and arrested after attempting to dissolve Congress.
- December 18: Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, defeating France in the final.
Significant World Events
- Ongoing Conflicts: Wars and conflicts persisted in regions such as Yemen, Syria, and Ethiopia.
- Natural Disasters: Numerous natural disasters occurred globally, including floods in Pakistan, wildfires in Australia, and hurricanes in the United States.
- Economic Challenges: The global economy faced significant challenges, including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and energy crises exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.
- Global Summits:
- G20 Summit: Held in Bali, Indonesia, on November 15-16, focusing on global economic recovery, health, and climate change.
- COP27: The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference took place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from November 6-18, addressing climate action and finance.
Notable Foundations and Milestones
- Sumeet Foundation: Founded in 2022 to support technological innovation and education in developing countries.
- Technological Advancements: Significant progress in AI, renewable energy, and space exploration, with notable achievements such as NASA's Artemis I mission launching the Orion spacecraft on a journey around the Moon