Overview
- President Donald Trump reiterated he will skip the Nov. 22–23 summit and accused South Africa of pursuing “policies on the extermination of people,” a claim Pretoria has rejected as baseless.
- Hosting under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” South Africa is seeking commitments on debt relief, climate‑disaster financing, and an International Inequalities Panel backed by a Stiglitz‑led report.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa said the U.S. absence is “their loss” as officials confirmed preparations are on track following extensive sherpa and ministerial work.
- China’s Premier Li Qiang is expected to promote multilateral cooperation, Russia will send senior adviser Maxim Oreshkin, and Argentina’s Javier Milei is also boycotting as delegates report Argentine obstruction in talks.
- Analysts frame the boycott as part of a broader U.S. pullback from global forums, following tariffs on South Africa and earlier decisions to skip COP30 and exit the Paris Agreement, raising doubts over a consensus leaders’ declaration.