The G20 Leaders’ Summit began in Johannesburg with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa saying his country is committed to protecting the G20’s importance. He added that the summit will focus on the needs of the Global South and Africa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived a day earlier and met several leaders, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Modi said he looks forward to productive discussions on major global issues.
PM Modi presented a six-point global agenda focused on strengthening international cooperation. His proposals included a G20 Initiative to counter the drug–terror nexus, the creation of a Global Healthcare Response Team, and the Africa–Skills Multiplier Initiative aimed at boosting workforce development in African nations. He also called for establishing a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, a G20 Open Satellite Data Partnership, and a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative to promote sustainable use of essential minerals.
A key development at the summit was the adoption of the G20 declaration, despite a full boycott by the United States. The White House accused South Africa of “weaponizing” its presidency, while Donald Trump claimed the country was pursuing discriminatory policies. Nevertheless, the declaration emphasised the urgent need to scale climate finance “from billions to trillions,” address energy access inequalities, and support early-warning systems for climate-related disasters. Leaders also endorsed a new G20 Critical Minerals Framework aimed at ensuring fair benefit-sharing for resource-producing nations.
Although the Ukraine conflict appeared only briefly in the official declaration, it remained a major focus in discussions on the sidelines. Western leaders reiterated the need for “just, comprehensive, and lasting peace” in global conflict zones. Following the leak of Trump’s controversial 28-point peace proposal, European leaders stressed the need for refinement and pledged coordination with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The summit concluded with strong emphasis on climate action, global cooperation, and development priorities shaping future international policy.
