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Sound of fireworks
Australians marked the start of 2025 with fireworks and parties.
More than a million people gathered at the main vantage points around Sydney Harbour for the city's world-famous fireworks display.
These revellers told SBS, they're happy with the show - and feeling positive about the new year.
"Happy New Year! We came from Germany and just doing our Working Holiday Visa so...Just driving from Adelaide to Sydney one-and-a-half days because we want to see the fireworks. Christmas and fireworks, yes.
Male: "Absolutely excited yeah. It is one of the best ones in the world. And it is a shame to miss. Anyone who misses it and is living in Sydney - and so yeah."
Female: "It's a bucket list moment, isn't it?
Children: Happy New Year!"]]
Cities around the world also ushered in the new year, with celebrations highlighting local cultures and traditions.
Countries in the Asia Pacific were among the first to welcome 2025.
In Japan, hundreds of locals and tourists gathered at the Marishiten Tokudaiji Temple in Tokyo.
At the stroke of midnight, people used a rope to swing a wooden pole against the huge bell.
Sound of bell
The tolling of bells at midnight is an ancient tradition for Buddhists, who believe that humans are born with 108 worldly desires and that these are removed when a bell is struck 108 times.
Chinese President Xi Jinping used his New Year's message to insist no one can stop what he called China's reunification with Taiwan.
He also stressed efforts to maintain strategic resolve and stay united in forging ahead against all odds to build a strong country.
"We must jointly create a better future for the world. Dreams and wishes may be far off, but they can be fulfilled with dedicated pursuit. On the new journey of Chinese modernisation, everyone is a key actor, every effort counts. Let us greet the new year with hope. May our great country enjoy harmony and prosperity. May you all have a new year of happiness and peace!"
President Vladimir Putin told Russians in a New Year address the country would move forward with confidence in 2025, though he offered no specific promises on the economy or the war in Ukraine.
At a time when many ordinary people are worried about rising prices and the central bank's 21 per cent interest rate is squeezing businesses and homebuyers, Putin reassured Russians that their wellbeing was his top priority.
"Dear citizens of Russia! The new year, 2025, completes the first quarter of the 21st century. In Russia, this period has been filled with many events, including historically significant, large-scale ones. We have set great goals for ourselves and achieved them. Many times we overcame trials because we were together. This is how our unity, our faith in ourselves and in our strength, in our capabilities were strengthened."
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainians, vowing his country would use 2025 to fight for an end to Russia's nearly three-year-long full-scale invasion by any means necessary.
"May 2025 be our year. We know that peace will not be given to us as a gift, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end the war."
As Gaza continues to be ravaged by war, residents say their greatest hope for the new year is to see an end to the conflict and to return to their homes.
10-year-old Sarah Hassan says she wants to look forward to something positive.
"Today is my birthday. I am now 11 years old. I had hoped to have a big birthday party at home. My wish for the new year is to return to my home, have a birthday party, invite all my friends and family, go to the park, and do everything I dream of."
After the fall of President Bashar al-Assad and the end of the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Syrians freely expressed their New Year's wishes.
Mahmoud Abdulhamid says he is optimistic.
"Free Syria is very beautiful. Syria is so beautiful when it is happy and green. The green color will be the color for 2025. I hope as one of the traders in Damascus and Syria, that Syria will be well; and in the new year, Syria will be strong, and free."
World Health Organization chief Doctor Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus used his New Year video message to call for peace and health security in areas of conflict.
Recounting a near-miss ordeal during Israeli strikes on Yemen's Sanaa International Airport on Boxing Day, the WHO Director-General says the attack shows the threat faced by humanitarian workers in war zones throughout the world.
He says life is precious.
“With a new year upon us, our leaders must bring desperately needed peace to the world - and health and safety to all. Peace and health are linked. From Gaza to Sudan, Yemen to Ukraine, and Haiti and beyond. Peace is and will always be the best medicine for the health and wellbeing of all people everywhere."
