G20 Johannesburg Declaration Adopted by Consensus
In a significant achievement for South Africa’s inaugural G20 presidency, leaders at the Johannesburg Summit have adopted the Leaders’ Declaration by consensus, signalling a strong commitment to multilateralism despite the notable absence of the United States.
The declaration, finalised on 22 November 2025, emphasises the urgency of addressing climate change, advancing sustainable development, and reforming global financial systems to promote fairer growth.
This comes as the two-day event at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Gauteng brings together representatives from major economies, focusing on solidarity, equality, and sustainability. For Africa, hosting this summit marks a historic moment, amplifying the continent’s priorities like debt relief and inclusive trade on the world stage.
The adoption, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the summit’s opening, underscores a collective resolve among the G20 members to tackle shared challenges. Even without US input—due to President Donald Trump’s boycott over alleged discriminatory policies—the document was embraced overwhelmingly, highlighting the forum’s ability to forge ahead amid divisions.
The Path to Consensus: Overcoming Geopolitical Hurdles
The declaration’s adoption was no small feat, given the backdrop of global tensions. G20 envoys worked through Friday, 21 November 2025, to craft a draft without US participation, as confirmed by multiple accounts. This process ensured the document reflected a broad agreement, with no objections raised during the leaders’ session on Saturday. South African officials, including International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, hailed it as a consensus victory, noting that it prevents any interruptions to the proceedings.
Ramaphosa captured the moment’s importance in his opening remarks: “The adoption of the declaration from this summit sends an important signal to the world that multilateralism can and does deliver.” He stressed that this outcome reaffirms hope and solidarity, committing leaders to leave no person, community, or country behind. The declaration’s swift acceptance at the summit’s start allowed discussions to proceed smoothly, focusing on actionable steps rather than debates.
Geopolitical contradictions, including the US absence and divides over issues like Ukraine and Gaza, had raised fears of paralysis. Yet, the G20’s non-binding nature—where decisions rely on voluntary implementation—did not hinder this key step. The document serves as a foundation for future actions, even if some contentious matters lack full consensus.
Key Highlights of the Johannesburg Declaration: Focus on Climate, Debt, and Equity
The declaration addresses a wide array of global challenges, with a strong emphasis on areas critical to Africa and the Global South. It stresses the seriousness of climate change, calling for accelerated clean energy transitions—a pointed stance that subtly rebuffs climate scepticism, particularly from absent parties like the US. This includes commitments to boost climate finance flows to developing countries, aiming to mobilise trillions annually by 2035 through plans like Baku to Belém.
On debt sustainability, the declaration acknowledges the growing burden on low-income nations, especially in Africa, and outlines steps for relief. It builds on South Africa’s G20 priorities, including the work of the Africa Expert Panel led by former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel. The panel’s recommendations for unlocking low-cost finance and productive investments are echoed, urging stronger implementation of frameworks like the Common Framework for Debt Treatments.
Gender equality and inclusive prosperity feature prominently, with calls to break down barriers based on economic status, gender, race, and geography. The document promotes fair trade, reformed global governance, and harnessing critical minerals for sustainable development, ensuring beneficiation at extraction sites to benefit local communities.
It also welcomes the Sevilla Commitment from June 2025, a renewed framework for development financing, and the G20 Africa Engagement Framework for 2025-2030. This multi-year plan keeps Africa’s issues—like food security, employment, and artificial intelligence—on the G20 finance track, fostering ongoing dialogue.
Sustainability efforts extend to disaster resilience, with agreements to scale up post-disaster reconstruction through global partnerships. The declaration reaffirms the need for faster progress on UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, addressing threats like pandemics, energy insecurity, and armed conflicts.
South Africa’s G20 Legacy: Amplifying the Continent’s Aspirations
As the first African-hosted G20, the summit carries deep symbolism, held near the Cradle of Humankind to affirm shared humanity. Ramaphosa noted South Africa’s diligence in hosting over 130 meetings worldwide, preserving the forum’s integrity. “In the execution of its task as the President of the G20, South Africa has throughout the past year – through its stewardship of some 130 meetings in various parts of South Africa, in other countries on the African continent and beyond our shores – sought to undertake this task with care and diligence,” he said.
The presidency has positioned Africa as a vital partner, with the African Union as a full member since 2023. Priorities like just energy transitions and critical minerals aim to drive inclusive growth, reducing poverty and inequality. The G20@20 Review and reports from panels on debt and inequality provide roadmaps for future action, emphasising new partnerships.
Despite the US boycott, which Ramaphosa did not directly address in his speech, the consensus adoption is seen as a win for multilateralism. It counters criticisms that the G20 could become just a discussion forum without binding decisions, proving collective will can prevail.
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