The 20th G20 Summit concluded in Johannesburg on November 23, 2025, with members adopting a landmark declaration advocating strengthened multilateralism and equitable global governance. The 122-point document, titled "G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders' Declaration," emphasizes support for developing nations and collective action on sustainable development, despite the United States' refusal to participate.
South African officials hailed the agreement as a victory for the Global South. "This declaration revolutionizes how developing economies engage in the global system," stated International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola. The U.S., which froze diplomatic ties with South Africa earlier this year over land reform policies and opposed the summit's outcomes, did not send representatives to the event.
Tensions between Washington and Pretoria intensified throughout 2025, following South Africa's December 2023 International Court of Justice case accusing Israel of alleged Gaza violations. U.S. trade restrictions and diplomatic downgrades preceded the summit boycott. South African officials maintained their stance, with presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya asserting: "Multilateralism has been affirmed through this consensus."
Analysts view the summit as a milestone for African leadership, with South Africa completing its historic first G20 presidency from December 2024. The U.S. is scheduled to assume the rotating presidency next month, though protocol disputes emerged during the handover process. University of Witwatersrand governance expert Frank Lekaba noted: "This outcome reaffirms the G20's legitimacy and Africa's growing global influence."
