Key Facts
• November 22, 2025: G20 Summit begins in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• South African government publishes leaders’ declaration emphasizing global cooperation and climate action.
• U.S. absent due to Trump administration’s boycott over alleged human rights violations in South Africa.
• Declaration highlights urgency of climate change and reaffirms commitment to the Paris Agreement.
• Goal to triple global renewable energy capacity supported in the declaration.
• U.S. rejects the declaration, only accepting a lower-tier “Chair’s Statement.”
• Draft of the declaration finalized on November 21 without U.S. participation.
• Focus on addressing global challenges impacting developing nations, including poverty and climate change.
Summary
The G20 Summit commenced on November 22, 2025, in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the South African government issuing a leaders’ declaration emphasizing international cooperation and climate change mitigation. The declaration underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, reaffirms the importance of the Paris Agreement, and supports tripling global renewable energy capacity. Notably, the U.S. abstained from the summit, citing alleged human rights violations in South Africa, and rejected the declaration, opting instead for a lower-tier “Chair’s Statement.” The absence of the U.S. highlights divisions among member nations. The declaration reflects South Africa’s focus on tackling global challenges, such as poverty and climate change, which disproportionately affect developing nations. The draft was finalized without U.S. involvement, signaling potential discord within the G20.
