G20 declaration adopted unanimously: World leaders defy US boycott to summit in Africa • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• G20 Summit in Johannesburg
• Multilateralism
• Global Inequality
• Climate Change
• Joint Declaration
• US Boycott (Donald Trump)
• Middle East Fragility
• Authoritarianism and Fragmentation
• Russia-Ukraine War
• US Peace Proposal for Ukraine

G20 Summit in Johannesburg: An Ambitious Agenda

The G20 summit, held for the first time on African soil in Johannesburg, operated under heightened security. The host nation, South Africa, presented an ambitious agenda for the talks, prioritizing two key areas: climate change and confronting global inequality.

Adoption of the Joint Declaration: A Signal of Multilateralism

A significant outcome of the summit was the adoption of a joint declaration on the first day. This move was described as sending an "important signal to the world that multilateralism can and does deliver." The declaration reinforces the commitment of G20 leaders to their "solemn pledge to leave no person, no community, and no country behind."

US Boycott and White House Stance

In an unusual development, the G20's largest economy, represented by US President Donald Trump, boycotted the summit. The White House cited "unsubstantiated claims that South Africa is pursuing anti-white policies and prosecuting its Africana's minority" as the reason for the boycott. The White House further characterized the plans to draft a declaration as "shameful."

Focus on Global Challenges Amidst US Absence

Despite the US absence, many leaders proceeded with discussions on critical global issues. Session one of the summit was slated to focus on these pressing matters. Key topics addressed included:

• Fragility in the Middle East: The ongoing instability and challenges in the Middle East region were a significant point of discussion.
• Rising Threats of Authoritarianism and Fragmentation: Leaders grappled with the increasing global trends towards authoritarianism and the fragmentation of international cooperation.
• Russia's War in Ukraine: The "ongoing unjustified war in Ukraine" was a central concern, with its "shock waves" still impacting global markets.

Discussions on Ukraine Peace Proposal

On the sidelines of the summit, the British Prime Minister engaged with other leaders to discuss their collective response to a US peace proposal for Ukraine. Critics of this proposal have suggested that it "leans towards Moscow," indicating potential concerns about its impartiality.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The G20 summit in Johannesburg, despite the notable absence of the United States, underscored the commitment of participating nations to multilateralism and addressing critical global challenges. The adoption of a joint declaration on climate change and global inequality signals a collective resolve to uphold the principle of inclusive development. However, the summit also highlighted geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the war in Ukraine and differing approaches to peace proposals, as well as concerns about rising authoritarianism and fragmentation in the international order.