The G20 summit recently concluded in South Africa, resulting in a joint declaration that emphasizes “multilateral cooperation.” This declaration addressed key issues such as climate change and economic inequality, although it was adopted amid protests from the United States, which chose to boycott the summit in Johannesburg.
During the closing ceremony, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that the agreement reflects the shared aspirations of the participating nations despite their differences. American President Donald Trump opted out of the meeting due to a controversial claim regarding violence against South Africa’s white minority, which has been widely discredited.
This summit marked a significant milestone as it was the first G20 meeting held on the African continent. Over the past three years, Indonesia, India, and Brazil have taken turns leading the summit. The US is scheduled to host the G20 in 2026, with plans to hold the event at Trump’s golf course in Florida.
The ceremonial transfer of the G20 presidency, anticipated at the end of the summit, did not occur and is now expected to take place next week with junior officials managing the process. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remarked on the limited significance of Trump’s absence, stating that multilateralism is “more alive than ever.” In contrast, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented on the negative implications of the US decision to abstain, noting that global realignments and new connections are emerging.
Delegates at the summit also reached a consensus on fostering “just, comprehensive, and lasting peace” in various regions, including Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The inclusion of Sudan in these discussions was highlighted as noteworthy by Sudanese journalist Saeed Abdalla, marking a new focus on the country’s conflict at this level.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg130704zro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss