The global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has had a significant economic and social impact throughout the world. The economic downturn occurred in almost all sectors, with many businesses closing, unemployment increasing, and people’s purchasing power decreasing. In 2020, global GDP shrank by around 4.3%, the lowest rate since the great recession. The tourism and hospitality sector experienced the biggest losses, with a decline in international tourist arrivals reaching more than 70%. The industrial and manufacturing sectors also felt a major impact due to supply chain disruptions. Production has been hampered by factory closures and travel restrictions imposed in many countries. Many companies are facing liquidity challenges, while others are being forced to adopt more digital business models to survive. This shift to a digital economy is giving rise to new trends in e-commerce and digital services, changing the way consumers interact with brands and products. From a social perspective, this pandemic is exacerbating existing inequalities. Vulnerable groups such as daily workers, women and children are disproportionately affected. Communities with limited access to health services are at higher risk and less able to cope with the psychological stress caused by the pandemic. So many in society are feeling social isolation, with a spike in cases of anxiety and depression. The education system also experienced severe disruption. School closures deprive millions of students of access to quality education, deepening the global education crisis. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are most affected, as they do not have the resources to learn online. In addition, changes in work patterns have caused companies to adopt work flexibility, by increasing the implementation of work from home (WFH) policies. While this offers benefits for some workers, many find it difficult to adapt. Mental health is a major concern, with reports of increasing cases of psychological problems. Many individuals have struggled with the loss of jobs, health, and even the loss of loved ones. Mental health services are becoming urgently needed, and many countries are starting to integrate mental health support into their public health systems. Sustainability is also an issue that is being raised again in the context of post-pandemic recovery. Many governments are taking advantage of this moment to push for more sustainable initiatives, with the hope that economic recovery will focus on resilience and long-term sustainability. Investments in green technology and renewable energy are increasing, indicating a shift towards a paradigm that is more responsive to climate change. Social interactions are also changing rapidly, shifting to more and more diverse digital platforms. Community activities, celebrations and gatherings are held online, driving innovation in the way people connect with each other. Social media plays an important role in disseminating information, but it is also a means of disseminating misinformation, challenging people’s trust in appropriate information. Innovations in health technology, such as telemedicine, are becoming more common, making it easier for patients to access health services. The mass vaccinations launched in various countries demonstrate previously unimaginable efficiency and speed of vaccine production. This rise in technology and digitalization may accelerate the transformation of the health sector and may become the new norm. Given all these challenges and opportunities, it is important for countries to learn from these experiences, strengthening their economic, social and public health strengths to face potential future crises. Indications that the world may never be the same again emerge in the way we invest, interact, and care for our collective health.