Johannesburg, South Africa – November 22, 2025 – Defying a direct warning from the United States, the G20 summit in Johannesburg concluded today with the adoption of a joint declaration outlining commitments to international law, economic cooperation, and human rights. The United States is boycotting the summit.
The declaration reaffirms the principles of the UN Charter, stating all nations must abstain from threats or the use of force against the territorial integrity, sovereignty, or political independence of other countries, while also emphasizing respect for human rights.
Economic priorities outlined in the document include expanding renewable energy sources, bolstering climate protection efforts, and reducing the debt burden of impoverished nations. Participants also expressed a desire to safeguard the global supply chain of critical minerals and rare earth elements from geopolitical instability and unilateral trade restrictions.
President trump had cautioned other G20 members against finalizing a declaration without U.S. involvement. His administration cited unsubstantiated claims of persecution against white citizens in South Africa as the reason for the U.S.boycott – a claim the German Federal Government has assessed as lacking evidence.
While the U.S. sent no high-level representation, China, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina were also represented at the summit by officials below the head of state level.
This report originated from a broadcast on Deutschlandfunk today, November 22nd, 2025.
