It’s easy to focus on what isn’t working. But across governments this year, there have been moments of real progress. Policies that improved lives or innovations that made systems work better.

From recycling revolutions to literal moonshots, this round-up brings together eight stories that deserve attention. These stories are a reminder of what effective, committed public service can achieve.

As you read, take a moment to reflect on the impact of your own work and the role you play in making government better for the people you serve.

1. Recycling revolution in Romania

The world’s largest centralised deposit return scheme for drink bottles and cans in Romania has ‘made the impossible possible’ by cleaning up the streets and reducing waste. In this successful scheme, consumers pay a 0.50 Romanian leu (£0.09) deposit per bottle or can, and get the cash back by recycling them in stores or during supermarket home deliveries. Studies suggest that as many as 60% of Romanians are now regularly accessing this programme.

2. EU announces new anti-racism strategy

The European Commission has put forward an anti-racism strategy that aims to combat racism across the EU in all of its forms. This will strengthen the implementation and enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, and continue to break down barriers and foster inclusivity in employment, education, housing and healthcare.

3. Regenerative agriculture scheme in Kenya delivers great impact

An initiative by charity group Farm Africa has been upskilling rural farmers and encouraging them to share their newfound knowledge within their communities. As of February, more than 70% of participating farmers have adopted regenerative methods and are reporting up to 81% higher yields and 92% improvement in water retention. Crop failure, soil erosion and dependence on chemicals have sharply reduced, which can mean great benefits for both people and the environment.

4. AI-assisted mammograms can detect heart disease

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that AI could be integrated into routine mammograms for women to predict the likelihood of developing heart disease. If widely implemented in health systems, this technology could save millions of lives, detecting issues even in groups considered ‘low risk’ and encouraging early preventative measures; all without requiring any additional infrastructure.

5. U.S life expectancy hits all time high

The CDC announced that life expectancy for U.S citizens has hit an all time high of 79 years old. This new figure reflects the nation’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, advances in medicine and a sharp drop in drug-related deaths.

6. Giant tortoises return to Galápagos island after nearly 200 years

Despite being driven to extinction on the island of Floreana in the 1840s, giant tortoises are now roaming it once again. This milestone marks the success of a breeding programme that was launched in 2017 after conservationists discovered Floreana ancestry in giant tortoises on the nearby island of Isabela.

7. NASA set to launch a crew around the moon for the first time since 1972

On Friday, March 20, NASA will launch the Artemis 2 mission. This 10-day flight will send four astronauts around the moon and back to Earth as a test for the systems that will allow future moon landings. It will be the first time since 1972 that humans go beyond low Earth orbit.

8. Final piece of the Sagrada Familia tower placed in Barcelona

In a ‘joyful day’ for city planners everywhere, the final piece of the central tower of the Sagrada Familia church has been placed, meaning that 144 years after its construction began, the landmark has now reached its full height. Construction on the overall church is expected to continue, but the historic tower now stands proudly as the tallest church in the world, and an iconic part of the Barcelona skyline.

Did some of these stories make you feel hopeful? Did we miss something great from your part of the world? Let us know in the comments!

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