South Africa announced that G20 leaders have approved a joint declaration at the Johannesburg summit, even though the United States chose to boycott the meeting. As the first G20 summit hosted in Africa, South Africa was determined to ensure that the event produced a united outcome.
The US stayed away from the summit because it disagreed with South Africa’s agenda, particularly the strong emphasis on climate action, clean energy, and financial support for developing nations. Washington had even urged South Africa not to issue a joint declaration without its participation, but South Africa rejected the request.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said there was broad support for the declaration and thanked participating leaders for working “in good faith.” South African officials also made it clear that the document is final and will not be reopened for changes.
The declaration focuses on several major issues, including the urgent need to tackle climate change, easing the heavy debt burden on poorer countries, encouraging nations with critical minerals to build value-added industries, and pushing for peace in ongoing conflict zones such as Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine.
South Africa also dismissed the US offer to send only a lower-ranking diplomat for the G20 presidency handover, which Ramaphosa criticised as “empty chair diplomacy.” Despite the diplomatic tensions, South Africa says the adopted declaration reflects strong cooperation among member nations and highlights the priorities of the developing world.
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