The G20 summit in South Africa, a forum for the world’s leading economies, has concluded with a joint declaration affirming a commitment to “multilateral co-operation.”
The declaration, addressing issues such as climate change mitigation and economic inequality, was adopted despite objections from the US, which abstained from the meeting in Johannesburg.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the agreement demonstrated that “shared goals” outweighed the differences among member nations.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump chose to abstain from the G20, citing a widely discredited claim regarding the alleged persecution of South Africa’s white minority through killings and land seizures.
This marked the first instance of a G20 summit being held on the African continent. Indonesia, India, and Brazil have previously held the presidency over the past three years.
The United States is slated to host the G20 in 2026, with expectations that the summit will be convened at a golf course owned by Mr. Trump in Florida.
The customary handover of the presidency, typically occurring at the summit’s conclusion on Sunday, was postponed.
The handover is now anticipated to take place the following week, involving lower-level officials.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva commented that the absence of Mr. Trump was of little consequence, asserting that multilateralism remained “more alive than ever.”
German Chancellor Fredriech Merz characterized the U.S. decision to abstain as “not a good decision.”
Speaking to Reuters news agency, he noted, “What I observed at the G20 is that the world is currently undergoing a realignment, and new connections are being forged.”
Delegates also reached a consensus on the pursuit of a “just, comprehensive, and lasting peace” in Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the “Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
According to Sudanese commentator and journalist Saeed Abdalla, the inclusion of Sudan is noteworthy.
Speaking to local broadcaster Newzroom Afrika, he stated, “I believe that for the first time, the G20 is bringing the Sudan conflict to the forefront after more than two years.”
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