Archive · 19 Nov 2025
G20 Johannesburg: US Absence, African Focus, and Global South Progress
The G20 summit in Johannesburg is happening with the US President not attending, causing some tension.
South Africa, the host, wants to focus on African issues and development.
Some people think the G20 isn't doing enough to help the world, but others say it's important for bringing countries together.
The last four years have seen progress for developing countries under the Global South agenda.
US President Trump decides not to attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing 'widely discredited claims' about South Africa.
South African President Ramaphosa responds that the summit will proceed with substantive decisions, and the US absence is 'their loss'.
The summit aims to emphasize the African dimension across development agendas, with key priorities including strengthening disaster resilience, debt sustainability, climate finance, addressing inequality, and improving food security.
The G20's credibility and influence are debated among experts, with critics arguing it lacks an action-oriented approach and implementation review.
The last four G20 presidencies, held by developing countries, have steered the Global South agenda, with significant gains made in areas such as debt sustainability, climate finance, and inclusive growth.
- Who
- Leaders of the G20 countries, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump (not attending)
- What
- G20 Johannesburg Summit
- When
- November 22-23, 2022
- Where
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Why
- To discuss and address global economic challenges, with a focus on African development issues and reviewing the progress of the Global South agenda
G20 Critics
G20 Supporters
Lack of Action
G20 Critics
Critics argue the G20 lacks an action-oriented approach and implementation review.
G20 Supporters
Supporters say the G20 is a deliberative body designed to encourage international consensus.
US Presidency
G20 Critics
Some worry about the US's reservations about the Global South agenda during its presidency.
G20 Supporters
Supporters hope the US will work with other members to shoulder responsibilities.
Global South Progress
G20 Critics
Critics may argue that more needs to be done to ensure sustained progress for developing countries.
G20 Supporters
Supporters highlight the significant gains made under the Global South agenda in the last four presidencies.
- G20 Members
- 19 countries and the European Union
- US Decision
- US President Trump will not attend, citing concerns about South Africa
- South African Response
- President Ramaphosa says the summit will proceed with or without US attendance
- Theme
- 'Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability'
- Key Priorities
- Strengthening disaster resilience, debt sustainability, climate finance, addressing inequality, and improving food security
- Global South Progress
- Significant gains made in areas such as debt sustainability, climate finance, and inclusive growth under the last four presidencies
