The G20 summit of major economies (19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union), representing 85% of global GDP, began Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa. This event is notable for two main reasons: it is the first time it has been held in Africa , and it is taking place in the absence of US President Donald Trump .

🛑 Key issues: Ukraine and Climate

Despite the absence of the American leader, his plan to end the war in Ukraine immediately took center stage in the discussions. European leaders present will meet on the sidelines of the Summit to discuss it, as confirmed by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Climate change is the other burning issue. The discussions planned for Johannesburg will be closely watched, especially after the deadlock at COP30 in Brazil. These talks stalled over the inclusion of a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. On Friday, the EU did not rule out the possibility that COP30 would end without an agreement, effectively shifting additional pressure onto the G20 leaders.

🌍 An African presidency and the priorities of the "Global South"

The Johannesburg summit marks the end of a cycle of presidencies held by nations of the "Global South" (following Indonesia, India, and Brazil). South Africa, as the host country, highlighted several key themes:

1. The creation of an international panel on economic inequalities , inspired by the IPCC for climate.
2. Debt relief.
3. Minerals for the energy transition (abundant in Africa).
4. Artificial intelligence .

The South African presidency, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has positioned itself as a staunch defender of multilateralism , which the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, described as "the best, perhaps our only, defense against upheaval".

📝 The challenge of the final declaration

One of the host's main objectives is to get a joint statement adopted by the leaders .

1. Pretoria's optimism: President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his hope of having a document adopted that will set out a "new and sustainable agenda for the world".
2. American obstacle: The United States opposed the release of a final communiqué, citing their absence and the fact that the summit's priorities "contradict" Washington's views.
3. Compromise in sight: Despite American opposition, a draft declaration has been finalized. However, the usual title – "Declaration of the G20 Leaders" – has been changed, suggesting a possible compromise on the scope or content of the document that will be sent to the heads of state.

The summit is scheduled to continue until Sunday, when the United States will assume the rotating presidency. The Trump administration has already announced its intention to limit the summit to purely economic cooperation issues, continuing a protectionist offensive that has already seen the country withdraw from several international bodies, including the Paris Agreement on climate change.