On November 22, 2025, at the 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, leaders adopted a landmark 122-point declaration aimed at strengthening multilateralism and equitable global governance—despite a boycott by the United States.
Titled “G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders’ Declaration,” the document underscores the importance of inclusive growth, sustainable development and enhanced support for developing nations. South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola hailed the agreement, saying, “The G20 Presidency has culminated into a progressive declaration… that will revolutionize how the Global South participates and plays in the global economy.”
Although all attending members endorsed the declaration, Washington openly refused to take part in the summit and announced it would reject any G20 outcome document not approved by U.S. leaders. Observers note that tensions have escalated this year, with the U.S. freezing assistance over South Africa’s Expropriation Act, imposing a 30% tariff on local goods and expelling the South African ambassador.
Citing what it called discriminatory land policies, the U.S. cut development aid and tightened trade ties after Pretoria brought a case before the International Court of Justice in December 2023. Throughout 2025, U.S. officials maintained that no senior representatives would attend the Johannesburg talks.
In response, Chrispin Phiri of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation emphasized that “we cannot allow coercion by absentia to become a viable tactic,” warning that such pressure risks “institutional paralysis and the breakdown of collective action.”
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Cyril Ramaphosa, added that the adopted declaration demonstrates “the world is embracing multilateralism, cooperation and collaboration.”
Frank Lekaba, senior lecturer at the Wits School of Governance, called the outcome a “win for Africa,” reasserting the G20’s centrality and the legitimacy of South Africa’s presidency.
South Africa, which took over the G20 presidency on December 1, 2024, will hand the baton to the United States on December 1, 2025. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated only a U.S. envoy would attend the handover ceremony, a move President Ramaphosa’s team has labeled a breach of protocol.
Reflecting on the summit’s legacy, Minister Lamola remarked, “No one will steal that spotlight. The African continent has made it—multilateralism has been affirmed.”
Reference(s):
G20 Johannesburg summit adopts declaration despite U.S. boycott
cgtn.com
