G20 Summit in Johannesburg Concludes First Day with Agreement on Final Declaration Despite US Objections
JOHANNESBURG, south Africa – November 23, 2025 – The G20 summit in Johannesburg concluded its first day with agreement on a final declaration, despite explicit warnings from the United States against its drafting. The declaration addresses key global issues including equitable benefit from raw material wealth for resource-rich nations, particularly in Africa, and calls for “a just, comprehensive and lasting peace” in ongoing conflicts – specifically citing Ukraine, Sudan, the Congo, and the Middle East.
The agreement also includes commitments to expanding renewable energies and increased global financing to address the costs of climate change,with a focus on supporting poorer countries.
The US, currently boycotting the summit, had urged other nations not to proceed with a final declaration without its input. While china, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina are also represented at the summit by officials below the head of state level, the US justified its boycott citing unsubstantiated claims of repression against white farmers in South Africa. President Trump has consistently expressed skepticism towards multilateral forums, favoring bilateral agreements.
EU Council President Costa used the first day of the summit to advocate for debt relief for impoverished nations, stating that “almost three and a half billion people live in countries that spend more on interest than on health or education,” hindering their future investment capabilities. He also criticized the uneven distribution of development aid contributions, noting the European Union’s 27 member states provide around 40 percent of global aid and calling for broader economic participation.
Today marks the second and final day of the summit, with scheduled discussions focusing on critical raw materials and artificial intelligence. The G20 presidency will then transition from South Africa to the United States. White House spokeswoman Kelly criticized South African President Ramaphosa for publishing the declaration “despite consistent and decisive objections from the USA,” adding that President Trump anticipates “restoring the legitimacy of the G20 in the US host year of 2026.”
