The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us that plans always fall victim to events. But as 2020 ends, things seem to be getting back on track with the efforts of the whole world. 

With 2021 just around the corner, it's time to have a look ahead with CGTN's political calendar.

Talking about getting back on track, China's performance has injected confidence and hope to the world – it has become the only major economy in the world to achieve positive growth in 2020. 

As 2021 marks the beginning of China's new five-year plan period and the 100th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China, eyes are on how the country will make further efforts in realizing its economic goals and building its new development paradigm.

And the United States, another eye-catching country in 2020, will continue its presidential story as the COVID-19 ravages the nation. Though the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 20 will be a low-key affair restricted for the public, the American people and the world are closely watching to see if the old friend can "make America respected around the world again."

Across the globe, a host of new elections are on the horizon. 

Iran, the U.S.'s old enemy, will have its presidential elections in June. As incumbent Hassan Rouhani is not eligible to run for office due to term limits, which candidate will enter the political arena against the backdrop of escalating Iran-U.S. tensions and address its factionalized domestic politics?

On the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is set for its fourth national election in under two years as lawmakers – supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's main coalition partner – passed a preliminary proposal to dissolve parliament in December.

As Europe is another region hit badly by the pandemic, elections in the Netherlands and Germany have the potential to become historic events. 

Another term in office for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte could make him the longest-serving government leader in Europe while the successor to Angela Merkel as German chancellor may launch a new chapter for the country and even for the European political landscape.

Meanwhile, Latin America's political calendar will be dominated by general elections in Peru and Chile, along with mid-term elections in Mexico – these polls could result in less political friction or more uncertainties. 

Now let's turn to the international organizations that have gradually adapted to new ways of diplomacy in 2020. Via video or possibly in-person, global meetings such as the Boao Forum, G20 summit and SCO summit are expected to take place.

As the world is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, uncertainty remains the key word for the post-pandemic world, especially in politics.

(Graphics and cover photo: Fan Chenxiao)