G20 Finance Talks in South Africa End Without Consensus

Key global economic discussions falter as major nations' officials are absent and disagreements persist on climate finance and trade.

The G20 finance ministers and central bankers' meeting in Cape Town concluded without a joint communique, reflecting deep divisions among members.
Major absences, including officials from the United States, China, India, and Japan, hindered progress on critical issues like climate finance and trade policies.
A 'chair's summary' reaffirmed commitments to resisting protectionism and supporting a rules-based multilateral trading system but failed to unify members on actionable steps.
South Africa, as the G20 host, expressed frustration over the lack of consensus, emphasizing the need for greater support for developing nations' green energy transitions.
The meeting highlighted ongoing geopolitical tensions, including disputes over trade, the Ukraine conflict, and funding cuts from major economies like the U.S. and Britain.