From the war in Gaza to the conflict in Ukraine, from Gen Z–led demonstrations around the world to US-imposed tariffs on imported goods and from the war in Sudan to the election of Pope Leo XIV, these events defined the global news landscape in 2025.

Venezuelan exiles are hopeful after President Maduro's removal by the U.S.; leaders of Denmark and Greenland tell President Trump to stop the annexation threats; and in sports, Novak Djokovic walks away from the Professional Tennis Players' Association he co-founded.

In this year-end feature, we look back at major events including the Australian Federal Election, Australia’s bid to host COP30, the tariff imposed on Australia by Donald Trump, the Pacific Nations Conference, the introduction of social media bans for children under 16, and many more significant developments.

Major platforms face millions in fines as Australia enforces social media ban; Israel's parliament takes a step toward ratifying a U-S proposed peace plan for Gaza; and in cricket, Pat Cummins could return to the Ashes for the second test this afternoon...

In this program, Oliver Slewa discusses the International Day of People with Disability, Homer Abramian explains how the Assyrian civilisation was first uncovered in 1842, and experts in Australia talk about how parents should approach the upcoming social media ban for children under 16.

The White House in lockdown after two National Guard soldiers shot dead; Revelations about Russia's input in the U-S brokered plan to end war in Ukraine; and in golf, Min Woo Lee in a strong position to compete at the Australian PGA Championship this weekend.

The death toll from deadly storms in Asia surpass 1,300; Call for answers as investigation announced into the deadly fire in Hong Kong; and in cricket, Usman Khawaja ruled out of the second Ashes Test.

This is part of a lecture presented by historian Homer Abramian explainining on how, for the first time in recorded history, excavators such as Émile Botta and Austen Henry Layard uncovered the ruins of the Assyrian Empire in the mid-1800s. Their discoveries eventually led to the decipherment of cuneiform, opening the door for the world to learn about the ancient Assyrians.

The International Day of People with Disability, observed each year on December 3, is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and celebrating the achievements of people with disabilities. Oliver Slewa explains the significance of this important event.

13 people arrested in Hong Kong over apartment fires; The federal government releases a national AI plan, and in sport, Usman Khawaja's fitness for the second Ashes Test in doubt.

Calls to tackle vaccine hesitancy amid falling immunisation rates in Australia; Australian funding for Pacific countries to tackle rising HIV rates welcomed; and in Formula One, Oscar Piastri's reaction after a costly setback at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Suite of environment reforms to pass through parliament; a woman dead and a man in hospital after a shark attack on a remote New South Wales beach; and in sport, The Olympic torch has been lit in ancient Olympia.

In this program, Australia Explained: The Codes of Dressing, NACA features about the G20 summit end. the controversy about the BOM's expensive new website. SBS learn English episode #99, Saying no to Alcohol.

Ukraine's President seeks a meeting with Donald Trump; Monthly inflation data in Australia to be released for the first time; and in cricket, Australia to face Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup group.

The criminal cases against two prominent Donald Trump critics dismissed; Power outages after storms and hail in southeast Queensland; and in golf, Min Woo Lee says he is mentally and physically prepared to play his best at the Australian PGA Championship.

The Bureau of Meteorology's (BoM) controversial website redesign carries a staggering 96 million dollar price tag. The cost blowout has drawn sharp criticism from both government ministers and the opposition. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has expressed deep concern over the massive expenditure, while Nationals Leader David Littleproud warns the public that the exorbitant cost will further erode trust in the agency.

World leaders have hailed the first G20 summit in Africa as a victory for multilateralism, even as they addressed challenges of climate change, inequality and war, against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical rivalries. The notable absence of President Donald Trump has raised questions the role of the United States, in a changing world order

The federal government defends the COP31 hosting arrangement; Opposition leader Sussan Ley [[Susan Lee]] under pressure; and in sport, in Formula One, Oscar Piastri has reacted to his disqualification from the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

The Prime Minister in South Africa for G20 as Penny Wong arrives in India for bilateral talks; The UN Security Council endorses Trump's peace plan for Gaza; and in sport, a football tournament to spread hope in Gaza.

Turkiye will host the next COP meeting - not Australia; Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 25 Palestinians; and in soccer, Matildas trio help Arsenal seal comeback win over Real Madrid in Champions League.