World unites in hope for 2013

From the glittering new year’s ball dropping in New York’s Times Square to joyous fireworks in London and cheers in a once-isolated Asian country, the world did its best to ring in 2013 with hope for renewal after a year of economic uncertainty, searing violence and natural disasters.

In Australia, the self-styled New Year’s Eve party capital, who was better to get the party started than Kylie Minogue.

The pop starlet says Sydney’s celebration to welcome in 2013 was a highlight of her life and proved the city’s reputation as the New Year’s Eve capital of the world.