Overview
- Leaders concluded the first G20 summit on African soil with a 122‑point communiqué defending multilateral cooperation.
- The declaration spotlighted climate impacts on poorer nations, rising debt burdens, unfair lending terms, and support for just energy transitions, though it is nonbinding.
- The United States largely sat out the meeting, declined to endorse the text, and was represented by a lower‑level delegate.
- A ceremonial handover became a flashpoint as South Africa refused to transfer the gavel to an embassy official, and the U.S. is set to hold the 2026 presidency with plans to narrow the agenda and host at Trump’s Doral club.
- China called for unity and a stronger voice for developing countries, while France’s Emmanuel Macron warned the forum may be nearing the end of a cycle.