Johannesburg was buzzing this Saturday as the G20 summit kicked off, marking the first time the event is being held on African soil.
Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” the two-day gathering spotlights Africa’s push to amplify its role in global governance and highlight development priorities shared across the Global South.
In his opening address, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the power of multilateral cooperation. “The G20 underscores the value and relevance of multilateralism,” he said, adding that the summit’s declaration sends a clear signal that the world can deliver on its promise to “leave no person, no community and no country behind.”
Since assuming the presidency on December 1, 2024, South Africa has focused on four key priorities:
- Strengthening disaster resilience and response
- Promoting debt sustainability for low-income countries
- Mobilizing finance for a just energy transition
- Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive and sustainable growth
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, via spokesperson Lin Jian, voiced full support for South Africa’s agenda, stressing the importance of an open world economy and deeper development partnerships.
Observers note that this Johannesburg summit reflects Africa’s growing global influence and rising expectations that Global South countries will help shape a more inclusive multilateral order.
Notably, the United States chose not to attend and signaled it would reject any summit outcome without its explicit consent. South African officials countered that “coercion by absentia” risks institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action.
Despite Washington’s absence, a unanimous declaration was adopted by attending leaders, underlining shared commitments to solidarity and sustainable progress.
As the two-day summit wraps up this Sunday, all eyes will be on how its outcomes translate into action ahead of the United States assuming the G20 presidency on December 1, 2025.
Reference(s):
G20 summit opens in Johannesburg with calls for multilateralism
cgtn.com
