Welcome to 2026
Hello and a Happy New Year, welcome to 2026.
Every year appears to have its challenges but this year seems more challenging than ever with events abroad difficult to comprehend at times, we had the irony of President Maduro and his wife kidnapped and shackled while Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu continues his version of the holocaust in Gaza, irony does not begin to describe it. Questions could also be asked of the USA whose politicians seem to be beholden to Israeli influence and funding. It’s hard not to be a little cynical.
Against this backdrop we are perhaps seeing a new world order ? America eyeing Greenland and its wealth, China eyeing Taiwan and Putin, Ukraine ? The fate of billions of people in the hands of three leaders who though culturally miles apart seem to share similar ambitions.
It used to be the USA -as epitomised in the Kennedy era – that offered hope, a bright future and a buffer against the evils of corrupt and evil empires now we have Trump, his sycophants, Elon Musk and Ice agents.
But let’s not be too pessimistic 2026 does offer potential for mankind, while challenges remain, the larger story is one of adaptation, resilience, and progress.
Technological advances continue to reshape daily life in ways that were once unimaginable. Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool for efficiency but a partner in creativity, medicine, and education. Diseases that were once difficult to diagnose are now detected earlier, energy systems are becoming cleaner and smarter, and access to knowledge has expanded beyond borders. These innovations are not abstract promises—they are already improving lives.
Equally important is a growing awareness of our shared responsibility. Climate action, once a fringe concern, is now embedded in government policies, business strategies, and personal choices.
Communities are investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and conservation, proving that economic growth and environmental care can coexist. Progress may be uneven, but momentum matters, and the momentum is real.
On a human level, 2026 reflects a shift in values. Mental health is spoken about openly, diversity/ immigration while needing to be managed is increasingly recognized as a strength, and younger generations are demanding systems that are fairer and more transparent. These cultural changes do not make headlines every day, but they shape societies in lasting ways.
Optimism does not mean ignoring uncertainty or pretending that problems will solve themselves. It means trusting our capacity to learn, to correct course, and to build better futures together. History shows that humanity moves forward not because times are easy, but because people choose hope paired with action.
In 2026, optimism is a choice grounded in evidence: we are more connected, more informed, and more capable than ever before. That alone is a powerful reason to believe the future can be brighter.
Sean (Editor)
Please note
Ireland’s Big Issue will be taking a break for a while as we evaluate how best we can move forward and serve our loyal following, see you again soon, in the meantime keep that sense of humour and perspective, a little Smile and a Laugh is still the best medicine.
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