Following part 1 of our visual journey through 2024 with our Brands2Life Global partners, we’re diving into what images struck a chord with the general population in France, India, Spain & Portugal, Germany, South Africa, and the UK this year.
France: Fabriq
A burst of blue, white, and red smoke appeared over the Austerlitz Bridge at the start of the Olympic Games in 2024, marking the start of the parade. Posted on the official Élysée account on X (formerly Twitter), the photo gained nearly half a million views within an hour.
While the Olympics were undoubtedly the highlight of the year in France, this striking image captured national pride and excitement, offering a sharp contrast to the division and tension the country was facing after its elections.
India: Candour Communications
Chasing a total of 543 seats that constitute the Indian parliament, the world’s largest democracy went to vote in 2024, resulting in a third term for the Narendra Modi-led government. Remaining focused on spending on infrastructure, and restoring India’s position as a manufacturing hub, the government is also focused on the automotive and technology sectors to help drive economic growth in the years to come.
Modi’s party, the BJP, did not do as well as was predicted by trade pundits however, with overzealous religious symbolism, and the inability to tackle the issue of high unemployment giving them a reduced mandate compared to previous years. This proves once again that India is a true democracy today, with an enlightened electorate fooled by none.
Spain & Portugal: Canela PR
Pictured here are Lamine Yamal, FC Barcelona player and son of a Moroccan father and a Guinean Ecuadorian mother, and Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao player and son of two Ghanaian immigrants who risked their lives crossing the Mediterranean in a precarious boat to live a better life.
While experiencing the rise of xenophobic, racist and ultra movements across Europe, Spain’s victory in the Euros 2024 with Yamal and Williams as stars, proved that diversity can be the key to success, as media highlighted during the tournament. A lesson we can all take something from.
Germany: Maisberger
2024 saw the end of the coalition between the SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and the FDP, which form the current federal government in Germany. After months of dispute, the end of the coalition was brought about because the parties could not reach a consensus on important issues such as climate protection demands and the FDP’s strict austerity policy.
What makes the situation so relevant in terms of communication is the fact that the entire division process appears to have been highly influenced by emotion and personal sensitivities. Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was asked in an interview about her thoughts as she witnessed the events and ironically answered “Men”, possibly highlighting the failure of male leaders and underlining the government’s communication weaknesses.
South Africa: Red Ribbon Communications
South African sprinter Akani Simbine and his team are pictured here celebrating winning silver in the men’s 4x100m relay final at the 2024 Olympics, breaking the African record.
This moment symbolises both sporting excellence and a sense of national pride and resilience. From a communications perspective, the widespread celebration of this achievement highlights the power of sports in storytelling.
Brands2Life: UK
And last, but by no means least, in the UK we’ve selected an image surrounding Chris McCausland’s victory on the popular prime-time TV show Strictly Come Dancing.
McCausland, a 47-year-old comedian, made history by becoming the first blind contestant to participate in and win the competition. With the support of his partner, he delivered emotional and highly inspiring performances that resonated deeply with the public. His win is a testament to the idea that with opportunity, support, and determination, anyone can achieve their goals. The milestone has been widely celebrated, not only for its impact on the show, but also for its broader message of empowerment and the importance of representation, making it an amazing and highly fitting conclusion to our post for 2024.
