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A quick roundup of the biggest global developments from this weekend, covering politics, protests, international diplomacy and major policy shifts across the world.
South Africa declares gender-based violence a national disaster
According to The Guardian, hundreds of women protested across 15 South African cities ahead of the G20 summit, staging silent lie-downs to represent the 15 women killed daily by gender-based violence.
The demonstrations, organised by Women For Change as part of the “G20 Women’s Shutdown,” urged women and LGBTQ+ people to halt all work and spending for a day.
A month-long campaign, including an online petition with over a million signatures, pressured the government to act.
Women For Change called it a historic victory and plans to meet next week to outline a concrete action plan and timeline.
Trump rebukes Ukraine’s “Lack of Gratitude” amid high-stakes peace talks
President Trump criticized Ukraine for showing “zero gratitude” for U.S. aid, reviving tensions just as U.S. and Ukrainian officials met to discuss a controversial 28-point peace plan with Russia.
The plan would require Ukraine to cede territory, limit its military, and halt its NATO ambitions — conditions many allies say amount to surrender.
Zelensky quickly issued a public thank-you to Trump, acknowledging U.S. support in an effort to ease the growing strains, The New York Times notes.
Trump and NYC Mayor-Elect Mamdani strike unexpectedly warm tone in oval office meeting
According to ABC News, President Trump and New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met in the Oval Office, setting aside months of public hostility for a cordial, solutions-focused discussion on affordability and public safety.
Trump praised Mamdani despite previously calling him a “communist,” saying he could “surprise conservatives” and become a great mayor, while promising federal cooperation.
Mamdani, who has labeled Trump a “fascist” in the past, said the meeting centered on shared concern for New Yorkers struggling with rent, housing, and basic needs.
South Africa hosts first-ever african G20 summit focused on climate, debt and global equality
South Africa is hosting the G20 Summit for the first time in Africa, centering discussions on climate adaptation, clean energy transitions and easing debt burdens for developing nations.
Operating under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” the Johannesburg summit marks the culmination of a year of negotiations aimed at bridging divides between the Global North and South.
South African officials emphasized an Ubuntu-driven approach — “I am because we are” — framing global cooperation as essential in a turbulent geopolitical moment.
The G20, representing 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population, brings together major economies along with the African Union and EU.
Though the U.S. is absent this year, South Africa hopes to use the platform to build consensus among diverse nations and deliver collective solutions to global challenges, notes the World Economic Forum.
Trump Reacts to marjorie Taylor Greene’s surprise resignation
According to People.com, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced she will resign from Congress in January 2026, citing GOP infighting and months of tension with President Trump.
Trump publicly welcomed the news, calling it “great for the country,” though he later added that he’d “love to see” her return to politics after “a little rest.”
