2015

2015 was a year in the Gregorian calendar, the most widely used system of historical reckoning in the world. It was a common year with 365 days (not a leap year), beginning on Thursday, 1 January.

The year was marked by several major political developments, notably agreements emerging from international conferences. It was also a year in which migration to Europe increased significantly, and conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere continued.

International agreements and decisions

In September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, consisting of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These replaced the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), whose period ended that same year.

In December 2015, the Paris climate conference (COP21) produced the Paris Agreement. Under this agreement, countries committed to limiting global temperature increase, with each nation presenting its own plan for reducing emissions.

Also in July 2015, Iran and a group of major powers reached an agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, known as the JCPOA. The agreement removed economic sanctions and provided for monitoring of the programme.

Migration and conflicts

In 2015, the number of people crossing the Mediterranean Sea seeking refuge or employment in Europe increased substantially. European Union states disagreed on how to share responsibility, leading some to reinforce their border controls.

The Syrian conflict continued, with armed groups and foreign states involved. Yemen entered an acute phase of conflict when a military campaign led by Saudi Arabia began in March 2015.