The world’s most prevalent pandemic occurred three months into the 2020s; there is no denying that this decade, for the better or worse, is changing the course of history. It is a critical period for the global health system; climate mitigation and adaptation; technological innovation; and scientific exploration. Major breakthroughs are anticipated this decade, and their impact on humanity will be decided by whether governments have acted on lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic and if they will be prepared to seize opportunities. In this session, Gerd Leonhard outlines key developments occurring in the 2020s that will shape the 21st century.