The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its call for China to share critical data on the origins of COVID-19, marking five years since the pandemic’s first known cases emerged in Wuhan.

On December 31, 2019, the WHO’s China office reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, later identified as a novel coronavirus. Despite a lockdown imposed on the city of 11 million in January 2020, the virus had already spread globally, setting off a pandemic that claimed over seven million lives, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and devastated economies.

While much of the world has moved beyond pandemic-era restrictions, the origins of the virus remain an unresolved mystery. The lack of clarity has fueled scientific debate and geopolitical tension, with experts criticizing China for withholding crucial data.

“Understanding the origins of COVID-19 is a moral and scientific imperative,” the WHO said in a statement on Monday. “Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.”

China has repeatedly defended its handling of the pandemic and the transparency of its data. Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, stated Tuesday that China has actively supported global efforts to trace the virus’s origins and rejected accusations of political manipulation.

“China has shared the most data and research results on COVID-19 origin tracing and has made the greatest contribution to global research,” Mao asserted.

The origins of the virus remain hotly debated. Many scientists support the theory of a natural spillover, suggesting the virus jumped from infected animals to humans, possibly at Wuhan’s Huanan Seafood Market. However, some researchers endorse the lab-leak hypothesis, which posits the virus may have accidentally escaped from a research facility near the market.

Tensions surrounding the investigation have persisted since the pandemic’s early days. Western nations, including the United States, have accused China of withholding vital information, allegations Beijing denies. WHO officials have also criticized China for limiting access to data, with one official in 2023 calling the lack of disclosure “simply inexcusable.”

In 2023, WHO gained access to genetic sequences from samples collected at the Huanan market in early 2020. These sequences, later analyzed in the journal Cell, revealed the presence of coronavirus-susceptible animals in a specific market section but did not confirm direct animal-to-human transmission.

Reflecting on the pandemic’s impact, the WHO called for renewed commitment to learning from COVID-19. “As we mark this milestone, let’s honor lives lost, support those suffering from long COVID, and express gratitude to health workers who sacrificed so much,” the statement read.

As the world prepares to welcome 2025, cities across the globe are set to showcase their unique cultural traditions and celebrations, from dazzling fireworks displays to solemn observances, after a year marked by global conflicts and political challenges.

First to Welcome 2025
South Pacific nations will lead the celebrations, with New Zealand marking midnight 18 hours ahead of New York’s Times Square. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is expecting thousands of revelers in the city center and on its volcanic hills for a fireworks display honoring the Indigenous Māori tribes. This follows a year of protests advocating for Māori rights.

Two hours later, Australia will take the stage, with over a million people gathering at Sydney Harbor for its iconic fireworks show. British pop star Robbie Williams will headline the event, while Indigenous performances will acknowledge Australia’s first peoples.

Asia: A Mix of Festivity and Mourning
In Japan, the New Year coincides with the Year of the Snake in the local zodiac, symbolizing renewal. Temples and homes have been meticulously cleaned in preparation, while shops are stocked with snake-themed items. Other parts of Asia will celebrate the Year of the Snake during the Lunar New Year.

South Korea’s festivities, however, have been subdued as the nation mourns the tragic Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives. The disaster has cast a shadow over the country’s usual celebratory spirit.

Diplomatic Exchanges and Calls for Peace
China’s state media highlighted an exchange of greetings between President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, showcasing their countries’ deepening ties amid tensions with the West. Meanwhile, Pope Francis in Rome will lead special New Year services, emphasizing peace amid ongoing global conflicts.

Europe’s Celebrations and Challenges
Paris will conclude a transformative year with fireworks on the Champs-Élysées, celebrating the success of the Summer Olympics. London plans a grand parade and pyrotechnics along the River Thames, despite wintry weather. However, Edinburgh’s famed Hogmanay events have been canceled due to storm conditions.

South America and North America Prepare for Festivities
Rio de Janeiro is set to host over 2 million people on Copacabana Beach for Brazil’s largest New Year celebration, featuring concerts and a 12-minute fireworks display.

In the United States, New York’s Times Square will showcase its traditional ball drop with performances by global stars, while Las Vegas will light up the Strip with an eight-minute fireworks display, enhanced by new attractions at the Sphere venue.

As celebrations ripple across time zones, American Samoa will be among the last to ring in 2025, closing a full 24-hour global wave of New Year joy.