Overview
- White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed the United States is skipping official discussions, with only an embassy representative present for the ceremonial handover.
- Despite U.S. opposition, leaders adopted a declaration at the opening that calls for peace in multiple conflicts and for stronger protection of critical mineral supply chains, though Argentina withheld support.
- European leaders convened with Japanese and Canadian counterparts to shape a joint response to Washington’s 28‑point Ukraine plan, voicing concern over proposed limits on Ukraine’s forces and noting a November 27 response deadline set by the U.S.
- South Africa’s presidency centers on Global South priorities including a Stiglitz-led inequalities panel, debt relief, a just energy transition and strategic minerals, with President Cyril Ramaphosa stressing multilateral cooperation.
- Several leaders are absent, including Donald Trump, Xi Jinping (represented by Premier Li Qiang), Vladimir Putin, Javier Milei and Claudia Sheinbaum, as the U.S. prepares to take over the G20 presidency with plans to narrow the agenda to core economic issues.