The G20 summit held in South Africa concluded with the adoption of a key declaration addressing major global issues like climate change, despite a boycott led by the United States.
The declaration was finalised without U.S. involvement, a move criticised by Washington as “shameful” and a break from the usual requirement for unanimous approval. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson affirmed that the declaration “cannot be renegotiated,” reflecting diplomatic tensions during the summit in Johannesburg.
South Africa, as the summit host, emphasised a focus on supporting developing countries through stronger climate action, debt relief, and accelerating the shift to renewable energy.
The document shows the urgency of tackling climate change, backing ambitious environmental targets, and recognising the debt burdens on poorer nations, standing in direct opposition to the Trump administration’s climate scepticism.
The proceedings were disrupted when Argentina, led by far-right President Javier Milei and closely aligned with Donald Trump, withdrew from endorsing the final declaration. Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno expressed concerns that the declaration’s treatment of geopolitical issues, especially the Middle East conflict, lacked full complexity. Nevertheless, South African officials confirmed sufficient consensus among the other members to approve the declaration.
The United States justified its boycott by citing widely discredited claims of persecution against South Africa’s white minority. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola responded, asserting, “This G20 is not about the U.S. We are all equal members of the G20… Those of us who are here have decided this is where the world must go.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned against the “weaponisation of dependencies,” pointing to China’s controls on rare earth mineral exports crucial for global energy and defence sectors.
Looking ahead, the U.S. will assume the G20 presidency in 2026, but South Africa rejected a proposal for a low-ranking diplomat to oversee the handover, demanding an official of equal status.
Ramaphosa’s spokesperson stated, “The president will not hand over to a junior embassy official the presidency of the G20. It’s a breach of protocol that is not going to be accommodated.”
South Africa’s first term as G20 chair marks a historic moment as the first African nation to preside over the group. The presidency’s priorities have centred on the themes of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability to advance development for the Global South and galvanise collective action on economic disparity, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.
Despite the absence of the U.S., the summit focused on divisions within the world’s top economies while reinforcing the commitment of many members to address shared environmental and financial challenges.