• G20 heads of state adopted a 30-page declaration focusing on conflicts, climate impacts and debt vulnerabilities.
• The declaration was adopted in South Africa, the first African country to host a G20 summit.
• The adoption occurred despite a U.S. boycott, reflecting geopolitical tensions within the group.

G20 heads of state met on 22–23 November 2025 in South Africa — the first summit held on African soil — and adopted a joint declaration that highlights conflicts, climate change and debt vulnerabilities. The document emphasizes that solidarity, equality and sustainability are essential pillars of inclusive global growth.

The adoption, normally reserved for the final session, marked a procedural shift after extended negotiations, according to Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for the South African president.

In the 30-page document, G20 leaders urge all countries to refrain from threatening or using force to acquire territory at the expense of another state’s territorial integrity, sovereignty or political independence.

The declaration states that, guided by the principles of the UN Charter, leaders must work toward a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the occupied Palestinian territory and Ukraine, as well as toward an end to conflicts worldwide. “It is only in peace that we can achieve sustainability and prosperity,” the document emphasizes.

The declaration calls for special attention to the impacts of climate change, particularly in heavily affected countries unable to bear the costs of adaptation, risk mitigation, preparedness and recovery. It notes: “We therefore encourage the international community, including donors, international financial institutions, development banks and the private sector, to support post-disaster recovery, reconstruction, adaptation, risk mitigation, preparedness and rehabilitation.”

Leaders also recognize that high debt burdens constitute a major barrier to inclusive growth in many developing economies. They reaffirm their commitment to support low- and middle-income countries in addressing debt vulnerabilities in an effective, comprehensive and systematic manner.

The declaration was adopted despite a U.S. boycott linked to a diplomatic dispute with the host country. The decision comes against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical tensions, ongoing wars, deepening inequalities and global economic fragmentation.

Faced with this environment, the G20 maintains that multilateral cooperation is essential to addressing shared global challenges.

The G20 is an international forum that brings together major global economic powers to coordinate economic and financial policies. Its members represent 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of international trade and roughly two-thirds of the world’s population.

Lydie Mobio