2012: the end of the world?

This post is also available in: Spanish

I love the change of a year. It gives you the chance to take stock of how much has happened and look forward to the year coming in. This is a particularly special end of year period for me for a number of reasons. Firstly, because 2011 was frankly epic and I’m incredibly grateful to the whole British Embassy Team for everything we’ve achieved. Secondly, because 2012 will be my last year here. And finally, because 2012 is such an important and exciting year for both the UK and Guatemala.

In July and August 2012, the world’s eyes will turn to the UK to watch the Opening Ceremony and the drama of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I feel so lucky that they’re happening in the UK in my lifetime and I can’t wait to see all the action. (There will be some great spots from the Foreign Office directly overlooking the beach volleyball – as if you needed any extra incentive to join the diplomatic service!!)

And on 21 December 2012, the world’s eyes will be coming here to Guatemala – home of the Mayan civilisation – to see the end of the Mayan Calendar. While some in Hollywood are saying it’s quite literally the end of the world, many more here believe that it’s the start of a new 5,125 year calendar and a new era. It’s certainly a special moment. Think of what you did when the year turned 2000…and well, times it!

As an embassy, we too have been getting involved by supporting a campaign called “2012 despertemos”. It aims to unite Guatemalans behind this important moment; to promote the many great things happening here; and to generate momentum behind the idea that 2012 can be a fresh start for Guatemala.

In my mind, the 2012 campaign here is striving for that unity created only by very special and rare events. I think of how, for example, winning a world cup can unite a country and generate huge confidence and positive momentum. Or how simply having the global spotlight can help the citizens of a country pull together to make sure that the world sees the very best of everything their country has to offer. 21 December 2012 is a deeply meaningful date here and I would never want to belittle the cultural significance. But in a modern country that still suffers from great divisions, having an event that can unite the Present in the pride of its incredible Past strikes me as a great opportunity. Happy New Year!