There is no definitive answer to the question in the title above because the collective choices based on Free Will of man still have not yet been made by the world's population, and because the definition of "human civilization" is multifaceted and subjective.
Some people may claim that human civilization has improved due to technological advancements in every age and they would be correct, and with 5G wireless technology around the corner, that 2019 will be definitely be a new chapter. However, if man were truly civilized, then there would not have been the need for Christ to enter the world to teach man to love his enemies [1] and to love God and neighbor as himself [2].
If love, as taught by Christ, is the sole measure of human civilization, then man has a long ways to go to be truly civilized, and 2019 is probably not going to be any different than all the years before going back to Adam and Eve after their fall. Regardless, man will continue to advance technologically without much concern for the well-being of every single life in the world and of the planet that is sustaining man's precarious existence.
As 2018 nears its twilight, inebriation helps dull the pains of life replacing them with momentary forgetfulness and artificial happiness. After the hangover, reality once again rears its ugly head. Until collective choices are made to stop all conflicts and exploitations of human and natural resources, and to restore the planet to its pristine condition and dignity to every man, woman and child, everywhere, a new chapter in human civilization is not foreseeable in the successive new years no matter how advanced the technological achievements.
Meanwhile, however, there is a life to be grateful for no matter the size of the cross one needs to carry since it is a triumph when one is able to carry it to the end with courage and humility. Life's journey with the cross does not require one to look back but forward even if it is just, for some, being carried only a few steps until the end for it is those last few steps, or just the one final step, that can make a difference. If one cannot change the world, the world will change for the better with every step that is taken with true gratitude and unconditional love.
Although the new year will soon be here, Christmas is still very much a part of this season. A Benedictine monk once told this blogger when he was a high school student that Christmas, celebrating the birth of Christ, starts on Christmas Day. This year's Christmas ends on January 13, 2019 [3], the Feast of the Lord's Baptism [4]. Therefore, it is not too late to end this year of blogging with Feliz Navidad performed by José Feliciano with the Vienna Boys' Choir, recorded in Vienna 2018--the song begins here on You Tube:
https://youtu.be/L-A4Maw6Jn0?t=4989
Wishing all a Blessed Christmas and a Peaceful New Year!
[1] Quoted in part without references: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven." See https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A43-45&version=NIV
[2] Quoted in part without references: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” See https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A36-40&version=NIV
[3] http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/christmas/index.cfm
[4] http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-year/christmas/christmas-january-13.cfm
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