G20 Leaders meeting at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg have outlined key commitments in the G20 Leaders’ Declaration as the historic first summit on African soil continues. The summit, hosted under South Africa’s G20 Presidency on 22 and 23 November 2025, focused on global economic challenges, sustainable development, inclusive growth, and multilateral cooperation.
For the first time, G20 Leaders met in Africa and embraced the philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nations and the importance of ensuring no country is left behind. The declaration highlighted commitments to address rising global conflicts, economic inequality, and instability. Leaders reaffirmed adherence to international law, including the United Nations Charter, and condemned attacks against civilians and infrastructure worldwide.
The declaration called for efforts to achieve peace in conflict zones including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and Ukraine. Leaders underscored the need for disaster resilience, highlighting the impact of natural hazards and climate change on vulnerable countries, particularly Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. Coordinated international support for disaster preparedness, recovery, and adaptation was encouraged.
On economic matters, the declaration reaffirmed support for low- and middle-income countries to address debt vulnerabilities, strengthen debt transparency, and implement reforms in cooperation with the IMF and World Bank. Leaders emphasized sustainable industrial policies, inclusive economic growth, and the creation of high-quality jobs.
The summit also addressed global food security, noting that 720 million people experienced hunger in 2024 and 2.6 billion lacked access to healthy diets, and called for the progressive realization of the right to food.
Energy security and just transitions were highlighted, particularly in Africa where over 600 million people lack access to electricity and one billion lack access to clean cooking. Leaders endorsed the G20 South Africa Presidency’s Voluntary Energy Security Toolkit to support integrated national approaches to energy innovation, infrastructure resilience, and workforce development.
The declaration also recognized the potential of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable development. The summit reaffirmed support for Africa’s economic growth, private sector investment, and the African Union’s full participation in the G20.
Leaders concluded by reaffirming their commitment to the G20 as a premier forum for international economic cooperation, thanking South Africa for its leadership, and confirming future summits under the United States Presidency in 2026, the United Kingdom in 2027, and the Republic of Korea in 2028.
