The G20 leaders’ summit concluded in South Africa on Sunday, November 23, sending a powerful statement on climate change and multilateralism adopted despite a complete boycott by the United States.
First ever hosted by Africa, the event became a stark illustration of a fragmenting world order, even as leaders hailed the consensus as proof that international cooperation remains viable.
The major themes emerging from the summit underlines the rising influence of the Global South.
One of the major developments was the adoption of the G20 leaders' declaration on Saturday, November 22, that was finalized without any input from the U.S.
The documentation adopted the language that was long opposed by the Trump administration, explicitly putting emphasis on the “seriousness of climate change,” commending the renewable energy targets and addressing the debt burdens of developing countries.
South African authorities declared the document “non-negotiable” after it was drafted by envoys on Friday, November 22. While Argentina withdrew at the last minute, officials proceeded under the principle of “sufficient consensus,” unlike the previous G20’s tradition of unanimous agreement.
The absence of the U.S. cast a long shadow over the proceeding, with leaders openly warning of a crisis in multilateral cooperation.
As stated by French President Emmanuel Macron, “the G20 may be coming to the end of a cycle.”
This caution was also highlighted in the statement of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney who described the global situation not as a transition but a “rupture.”
Despite the tensions, the summit yielded major outcomes.
Responding to the escalating domestic pressure, the South African government declared gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide a national disaster.
This move came after a massive, nationwide women’s protest saw thousands lie down in silent demonstration against the rising femicide rate in the country.
Additionally, as the summit concludes in Johannesburg, it signifies shifting alliances.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that multilateralism is “more alive than ever,” highlighting the growing influence of the Global South.
The gavel was passed symbolically to a mid-level U.S. diplomat after President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, refused to hand it to an “empty chair.”
G20 now moves to its next presidency under Donald Trump in 2026, who announced to host leaders at a golf club he owns in Florida.