KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 1 (Bernama) -- As the world turns the page on 2025 after a turbulent year marked by wars, conflicts, and climate crises, world leaders welcomed 2026 with messages of hope, peace, economic prosperity, development, and renewal.
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called for a spirit of togetherness to bolster national unity, urging the people to continue providing meaning to reforms and to ensure that the nation’s prosperity is shared by all segments of society.
“The MADANI government undertakes to continue working with integrity, courage, and courtesy, and to put our best foot forward in fulfilling our duties, with complete honesty to deliver tangible benefits to the people and ensure better security and prosperity for the nation’s future,” he posted on Facebook.
Other ASEAN leaders also expressed hope for a better year despite a challenging 2025.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said even as the government look outward for new opportunities, their focus remains firmly on improving lives at home.
“Economic success is a means to an end. What matters is that every Singaporean benefits from the nation’s progress,” he said, noting that amidst external troubles, the country delivered stronger-than-expected growth of 4.8 per cent in 2025.
Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto, in welcoming the New Year alongside disaster-affected residents in the South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, conveyed his hope that people will welcome 2026 with spirit and optimism, even while facing adversity.
“May the new year 2026 bring new hopes, bring back smiles in the society, and restore the lives of citizens so that they may rise and move forward,” he posted on Facebook.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expressed hopes for renewal, strength, and stability as the nation ushered in the new year.
In his address, Anutin acknowledged that many people had endured hardship, uncertainty, and fatigue over the past year, while commending the resilience and enduring spirit of the Thai society.
In Laos, President Thongloun Sisoulith expressed his hope that 2026 would be a year of renewed optimism and lasting peace for people worldwide, according to the Vientiane Times.
Meanwhile, Myanmar’s State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing voiced hopes for prosperity in 2026.
“At this auspicious moment of the New Year, I extend my heartfelt wishes that all citizens of Myanmar, all national brethren, may treat one another with love and goodwill, and contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the Union,” the leader stated as reported by The Global New Light of Myanmar.
From the land of the Rising Sun, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to make the Japanese archipelago stronger and more prosperous to give rise to hope.
In her New Year statement, the first female prime minister of Japan said her administration is committed in its goal to restore the younger generation’s faith in the future of Japan and a sense of hope in their hearts.
In South Korea, President Lee Jae Myung seeks to achieve a major leap in politics, the economy, and diplomacy.
"The goal of this people-centred government is clear. We will gallop powerfully like the Red Horse this year — the first year of a great leap forward for the Republic of Korea," he said in a New Year's Day speech, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
China’s President Xi Jinping has urged the nation and its people to take solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform, and write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle.
“The year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan...Let us charge ahead like horses with courage, vitality, and energy, fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities,” he said, according to a full text of his New Year address shared by Xinhua.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that in 2026, his government seeks to make the promise of renewal a reality, including more funding for local communities and an increase in new health hubs.
“In 2026, the choices we’ve made will mean more people will begin to feel positive change in your bills, your communities, and your health service, he said in his New Year’s message posted on the UK government website.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron stated his three wishes for the French people in 2026, namely unity, strength, and hope.
He also called for unity, notably against racism and antisemitism in his New Year’s message, reported France24.
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