The 2025 G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, concluded with significant global implications, marking the first time the prestigious gathering was hosted on African soil. This historic meeting gained additional attention due to the notable absence of the United States, which chose to boycott the proceedings entirely.
Historic Gathering Amidst US Absence
World leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gathered in South Africa from November 22, 2025, for this landmark summit. Despite the United States staying away from the meeting and not participating in drafting the final declaration, the remaining members achieved what South African officials described as overwhelming consensus on the 122-paragraph document.
A spokesperson for South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the declaration cannot be renegotiated, noting it represented months of preparatory work and an intense final week of negotiations. The successful adoption of the declaration without US participation demonstrated the resilience of multilateral cooperation.
Key Declaration Highlights
Spirit of Ubuntu and Multilateral Cooperation
The G20 declaration prominently featured the African philosophy of Ubuntu, translating to I am because we are. This concept emphasized the interconnectedness of nations and individuals within broader communal, societal, economic, and environmental contexts.
In what appeared to be a subtle reference to former US President Donald Trump's tariff wars and disruptive international moves, the declaration stated: In the face of this challenging political and socio-economic environment, we underscore our belief in multilateral cooperation to collectively address shared challenges.
United Nations Security Council Reforms
India successfully pushed for significant language regarding UN Security Council reform. The declaration committed to transformative reform that aligns the Security Council with 21st-century realities.
The text specifically called for enlarged Security Council composition that improves representation for currently underrepresented regions, including Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
Condemnation of Terrorism
From India's perspective, a crucial achievement was the clear condemnation of terrorism. The declaration contained a straightforward, one-line sixth paragraph stating: We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Women Empowerment Focus
The summit carried forward key outcomes from India's G20 presidency, particularly regarding women's empowerment. The declaration reaffirmed commitment to remove social and economic barriers to achieve gender equality and encouraged women-led development.
Leaders pledged to ensure women's full, equal and meaningful participation in all levels of decision-making while condemning all forms of discrimination against women and girls.
India's Six Major Initiatives
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented six comprehensive proposals during the summit, elaborating India's approach to growth, development, and well-being for all nations.
G20 Initiative on Countering Drug-Terror Nexus
Highlighting the serious challenge posed by drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl, PM Modi proposed the G20 Initiative on Countering the Drug-Terror Nexus. This coordinated approach aims to weaken the drug-terror economy through integrated finance tracking, governance measures, and security actions.
G20-Africa Skills Multiplier
In a significant capacity-building proposal, India suggested the G20-Africa Skills Multiplier initiative to train one million certified trainers in Africa over the next decade using a train-the-trainers model across various sectors.
Additional Strategic Proposals
Other initiatives included formation of a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team for rapid medical emergency response, creation of a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository based on Indian Knowledge Systems, an Open Satellite Data Partnership for Global South countries, and a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative promoting recycling and sustainable clean energy transition.
Artificial Intelligence and Global Compact
During discussions on A Fair and Just Future for All, PM Modi emphasized that India's approach to Artificial Intelligence focuses on access, skilling, and responsible deployment. He called for a global compact on AI that includes effective human oversight, safety-by-design, transparency, and strict prohibitions on using AI for deepfakes, crime, and terrorist activities.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to all G20 countries to participate in the AI Impact summit scheduled for February 2026 in India.
Beyond the Summit: Understanding G20
The Group of Twenty represents 19 countries and the European Union and African Union, accounting for approximately 85% of global GDP, over 75% of global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. Unlike the United Nations, the G20 operates without a permanent secretariat, with the presidency rotating annually among members.
During South Africa's presidency, the G20 troika consisted of Brazil, South Africa, and the United States, representing the previous, current, and incoming presidencies respectively.
The successful conclusion of the 2025 summit, despite geopolitical challenges, demonstrates the continued relevance of multilateral forums in addressing global issues and shaping international economic cooperation.
