In a significant display of global unity, G20 leaders adopted a comprehensive declaration addressing pressing world issues during the summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 22-23, 2025. The landmark agreement came despite the notable absence of the United States, which boycotted the event over political disagreements with the host nation.
Historic African Summit Sets New Direction
The 20th G20 Leaders' Summit marked a historic moment as the first gathering of its kind convened on African soil. The declaration prominently featured the African philosophy of Ubuntu, meaning "I am because we are," emphasizing interconnectedness across communities and nations. This spirit guided the leaders' commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind through enhanced multilateral cooperation and global partnerships.
Despite rising geopolitical tensions and the absence of American representation, the leaders reaffirmed their belief in multilateralism as the essential framework for tackling shared global challenges. The summit took place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, where world leaders gathered without US President Donald Trump, who objected to South Africa's presidency.
Key Breakthroughs in Global Finance and Development
The G20 made substantial progress in reforming global financial architecture to better represent developing nations. Leaders welcomed the creation of a 25th chair at the IMF Executive Board specifically designed to enhance Sub-Saharan Africa's voice and representation. Additionally, the summit celebrated exceeding the $100 billion target for voluntary channeling of Special Drawing Rights to support countries in need.
On the critical issue of debt sustainability, the declaration acknowledged that high debt levels severely constrain many developing economies from investing in essential infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The leaders committed to strengthening the implementation of the G20 Common Framework for debt treatments and supported exploring innovative solutions like debt-for-climate swaps.
Climate Action and Energy Access
In a particularly significant move given US opposition to climate language, the declaration emphasized the urgency of implementing the Paris Agreement. It highlighted the devastating impact of increasing disasters on vulnerable states, especially Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
The G20 called for scaling up climate finance from "billions to trillions" and noted that developing countries require an estimated $5.8-5.9 trillion to meet their climate commitments before 2030. The declaration also addressed energy poverty, noting that over 600 million Africans lack electricity and approximately 1 billion lack access to clean cooking fuels.
To combat this, leaders supported efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030. They welcomed the Mission 300 platform, led by the World Bank Group and African Development Bank, which aims to connect 300 million people to electricity in Africa by 2030.
Critical Minerals and Food Security
Recognizing the growing importance of critical minerals for the global economy and green transition, the summit established a voluntary G20 Critical Minerals Framework. This blueprint aims to secure sustainable, transparent, and resilient critical mineral value chains while promoting investment in developing countries.
On food security, the declaration expressed alarm that 720 million people experienced hunger in 2024 and reaffirmed the progressive realization of the Right to Food. The leaders committed to upholding international humanitarian law and stated that intentional starvation of civilians should not be used as warfare.
Technology and Institutional Reform
The declaration recognized artificial intelligence's transformative potential while emphasizing the need to address risks including human rights protection, transparency, and ethics. It specifically highlighted the launch of the AI for Africa Initiative to ensure developing nations benefit from emerging technologies.
In a major institutional development, leaders pledged to reform the UN Security Council through a transformative process that would make it more representative, inclusive, and accountable. This call for UNSC reform was echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during meetings with Brazil and South African presidents, where he stated that institutional reform "is no longer an option, but a necessity."
The G20 leaders also adopted new employment targets, including the Nelson Mandela Bay Target to reduce youth not in employment, education, or training by 5% by 2030, and the revised Brisbane-eThekwini Goal to reduce gender gaps in labor force participation.
