The symbolic weight of Barack Obama's victory aside, a world battered and weary from the increasing global and local crises- from financial to food, energy, water and that in Gaza - is looking to the graduation of Obama to the most powerful political office in the world to offer some reprieve, no matter how short-lived, from the darkness of now.

Of all Obama's campaign pledges, one of the most significant was the desire to foster cooperation between the nations of the world, to depart from the absolutist tendencies of recent US governments.  Climate change, the scourge of terror –both state and that advanced by sub-national groups, economic turmoil, disease, hunger, poverty, immigration policy and a general resource short fall are troubling governments across the world. None of these calamities has its solution in unilateral action, and Obama's administration can lead the world most effectively by promoting this promised collaboration, showing respect for international institutions and affirming America's commitment to the resolutions of the collective will of men.

Here at KenyaImagine, we will be hosting a live blog of the inauguration. You are invited to share with hundreds others in a live observation of this event, share perspectives from your family and friends, and from that part of the world that you call home. 

Happy New Year!

Inauguration festivities, a music concert, begin in Washington DC at 10amEST (-5GMT). Barack Obama will deliver his Inaugural address at NoonEST (-5GMT). After the address, he will escort outgoing President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony.

We will begin the live blog at 10amEST: Kenya (6pm), South Africa (5pm), England (3pm), Australia-Melbourne (2am Wednesday)