G20 Summit in Johannesburg Advances Despite U.S. Absence
Leaders from the world’s major economies have gathered in Johannesburg for the 2025 G20 summit, determined to push forward an ambitious agenda — even as the United States stays away. The U.S. boycott, rooted in political dissent, underscores deep fractures, but many participants say it could paradoxically strengthen the summit’s climate-driven ambitions.
Draft Declaration Moves Ahead Without U.S. Input
G20 envoys reportedly agreed on a draft leaders’ declaration before the summit convened — drafted without U.S. involvement, according to multiple sources.
A senior White House official criticized this move, calling it “shameful.”
Climate Change at the Heart of the Agenda
Three of South Africa’s top four priorities for the summit center on climate:
Preparing for climate-induced weather disasters
Financing the transition to clean energy
Ensuring that the global surge for critical minerals benefits producing countries
The fourth priority is reforming international borrowing systems to give poorer nations fairer access to finance.
Despite some resistance, especially to references to climate and renewable energy, these themes remain front and center.
Roots of the U.S. Boycott
Former President Donald Trump has publicly rejected the Johannesburg agenda. He has claimed, without strong evidence, that South Africa’s government is persecuting its white minority — allegations widely challenged.
He also criticized the summit’s focus on solidarity, climate resilience, and debt relief.
Implications and Reactions
South Africa’s Position: President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his country’s leadership, framing the boycott as an attempt to stifle multilateralism.
Analysts’ View: Some analysts suggest the U.S. absence could clear the way for a more unified, substantive declaration.
Energy News
Climate Justice Voices: Groups like the Pan‑African Climate Justice Alliance criticize the boycott as undermining global cooperation — particularly for developing economies already burdened by climate risk.
Looking Ahead: The Next G20 Hand‑Over
South Africa is set to pass the G20 presidency to the United States in 2026. But in a symbolic twist, Ramaphosa signaled that he may hand over leadership to an “empty chair,” after rejecting a proposal for a lower-ranked U.S. representative at the handover ceremony
