The BRICS TimesG20 nations fully approved South Africa’s summit declaration on Saturday. This happened even though US President Donald Trump boycotted the event, causing tension with Washington regarding the drafting process.
Consensus Achieved Without US Input
G20 nations successfully approved South Africa’s summit declaration with total agreement. This occurred even as US President Donald Trump chose to boycott the major event. Speaking on Saturday (Nov 22), host President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted a key victory. He stressed that reaching a unanimous agreement was vital, despite the United States deciding not to participate.
Tensions Over the Drafting Process
Insiders say G20 envoys wrote the leaders’ declaration on Friday without any American input. A senior White House official criticized this specific move as “shameful.” The draft kept references to climate change. This is a topic where the Trump administration clashes with other members. He often questions the scientific consensus on human-driven global warming.
Ramaphosa’s Call for Unity
Ramaphosa spoke during his opening remarks at the Johannesburg summit. He said there was “overwhelming consensus and agreement” on the tasks. He believed adopting the declaration should be the meeting’s first priority. He thanked delegations for working “in good faith” with South Africa. They produced “a worthy G20 outcome document.” He insisted nothing should “diminish the value, the stature and the impact of the first African G20 presidency.”
Global Risks and Peace Efforts
The approved text focuses on global cooperation. The G20 summit declaration states: “We emphasise the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation to address existing and emerging risks to the global economy.” The document also addresses conflicts. It adds, “We will work for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory and Ukraine.”
Why Trump Skipped the Summit
President Trump and his team boycotted the G20 summit for specific reasons. They claimed South Africa was treating white citizens “unfairly and cruelly.” Trump also rejected the host’s main agenda. It focused on unity and helping developing nations. The agenda covered tackling climate disasters, clean energy transitions, and managing debt burdens.
