The Group of 20 (G20) has issued a 30‑page joint declaration at the close of its leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, marking a diplomatic milestone as the first G20 summit ever held on African soil. The statement hailed “multilateralism” and reaffirmed commitments to collective action on global challenges, despite the absence of the United States, which boycotted the gathering.
A Landmark Summit in Africa
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa described the adoption of the declaration as a “renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation”, underscoring Africa’s growing role in shaping global governance. Leaders from India, Brazil, China, France, Germany, and the EU joined in endorsing the text, which covered issues ranging from climate change and debt relief to economic inequality and global trade reform Oneindia Hiru News RFI.
US Boycott and Diplomatic Tensions
The US boycott, led by President Donald Trump, was justified by Washington on grounds of alleged discrimination against South Africa’s white minority — claims widely dismissed internationally. The absence highlighted America’s retreat from multilateral forums, echoing its decision not to send a delegation to COP30 in Brazil earlier this month Oneindia Hiru News Mathrubhumi English.
Despite U.S. pressure not to issue a joint statement, South Africa and other G20 members insisted the declaration could not be renegotiated, reflecting a united front against unilateralism CNBC DW.
Key Commitments in the Declaration
- Climate Action: Renewed pledges to accelerate the transition to clean energy and support vulnerable nations.
- Debt Relief: Calls for expanded frameworks to ease the debt burden of developing countries.
- Global Trade: Emphasis on fairer trade rules and investment in sustainable supply chains.
- Inequality: Recognition of widening global disparities and commitment to inclusive growth.
Outlook
The Johannesburg summit demonstrated Africa’s rising diplomatic weight, with Ramaphosa declaring that “shared goals outweigh differences.” While the U.S. absence underscored divisions in global politics, the adoption of the declaration signaled that the G20 remains committed to collective problem‑solving. The next summit is scheduled for 2026 in the United States, where Trump has announced plans to host the gathering at his Florida golf resort Hiru News.
2025 G20 Johannesburg summit Picture by Dati Bendo / European Communities, 2025 / EC – Audiovisual Service
