In brief
The recently concluded G20 summit in South Africa marked a pivotal moment as it was the first time the gathering of major economies was held on African soil. Despite the absence of US President Donald Trump, who boycotted the event citing unsubstantiated claims about the treatment of South Africa's white minority, leaders made strides in addressing pressing issues like climate change, economic inequality, and global peace. The closing declaration reflected a commitment to shared goals and multilateral cooperation.
The G20 summit in South Africa, a gathering of the world's major economies, has ended with a joint declaration committing to 'multilateral co-operation.' The declaration, which covered climate change mitigation and economic inequality, was adopted despite objections from the US, which boycotted the meeting in Johannesburg. Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the agreement showed 'shared goals' outweighed the countries' differences.American President Donald Trump chose to abstain from the G20 due to a widely discredited claim that South Africa's white minority is the victim of large-scale killings and land grabs.It was the first time a G20 summit was held in Africa. Indonesia, India, and Brazil have led the summit over the past three years. The US will host the G20 in 2026, with the summit expected to be held at Trump's golf course in Florida. The ceremonial handover of the presidency which was meant to happen at the end of the summit on Sunday did not take place and is expected to occur next week, involving junior officials.Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated, 'it didn't matter much' that Trump had not attended, emphasizing that multilateralism was 'more alive than ever.' German Chancellor Fredriech Merz described the US abstention as a 'not good decision,' indicating a realignment in global connections. Delegates reached consensus on pursuing 'just, comprehensive, and lasting peace' in regions including Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the 'Occupied Palestinian Territory.' The focus on Sudan at the G20 was highlighted as significant by local Sudanese commentators.
