A summit of the Group of 20 (G20) leaders in South Africa concluded with the adoption of a declaration addressing critical global issues, including the climate crisis. This declaration was finalized without input from the United States, which chose to boycott the event. A White House official described the decision to proceed without US involvement as “shameful.”
The declaration, which includes language that the US administration has historically opposed, is deemed non-negotiable. According to a spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the country had been working throughout the year towards this outcome, and the past week had been especially intense. Ramaphosa emphasized that there was “overwhelming consensus” among participants for the declaration.
G20 envoys drafted the leaders’ declaration on July 7, 2023, without any US representatives present, as confirmed by four sources familiar with the discussions. The text notably emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, endorses ambitious renewable energy targets, and highlights the significant debt challenges faced by poorer nations. These points directly contradict the views held by US President Donald Trump, who has publicly questioned the scientific consensus on climate change and had indicated that any mention of it in the declaration would be met with resistance.
In his opening remarks, Ramaphosa stated, “There’s been overwhelming consensus and agreement that one of the other tasks we should undertake right at the beginning is to… adopt our declaration.” He expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all delegations involved, urging that the significance of the first African G20 presidency not be diminished.
The US boycott was rooted in allegations, which have been widely discredited, claiming that South Africa’s Black majority government discriminates against its white minority. Trump also rejected the summit’s agenda, which aimed to foster solidarity and assist developing nations in adapting to climate-related disasters and improving their energy transition.
Despite the initial challenges posed by the US withdrawal, Ramaphosa maintained that South Africa’s role in promoting multilateral diplomacy remained vital. The country will hand over the G20 presidency to the United States in 2026, but Ramaphosa noted that this handover will occur with an “empty chair” representing the US absence.
In conclusion, the G20 summit in Johannesburg marks a significant moment in international diplomacy, highlighting the divisions between major global powers on pressing issues such as climate change and economic equity. The declaration’s approval, despite the US boycott, reflects a commitment among participating nations to confront these challenges collaboratively.
