G20 Adopts 122-Point Joint Declaration Despite US Boycott

Johannesburg: The G20 summit in Johannesburg approved a 122-point joint declaration despite a boycott by the United States.

Breaking with tradition, the declaration was adopted at the start of the summit. It focuses on climate change and other global challenges and was prepared without US participation.

The United States had opposed the joint statement on environmental issues and other matters. After the approval, the White House criticized South Africa, accusing it of using the G20 presidency for political purposes. A White House official described the declaration as “embarrassing.”

The declaration calls for greater global action to help poor countries cope with climate disasters and debt crises. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded, saying the US is applying pressure but cannot threaten the country.

Read more: Trump and Mamdani’s First Meeting Stuns Political Circles with Unexpected Warmth

The US is set to assume the G20 presidency at the end of the summit. South Africa rejected the US request to send only a junior diplomat for the transition, calling it against protocol. President Ramaphosa insisted that the handover must be conducted between officials of equal rank and refused to hand over the presidency to a US embassy official.