Leaders of the Group of Twenty convened in Johannesburg as the United States boycotted the summit, chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Talks are centered on a draft communiqué prepared without Washington’s approval — a move the White House has labeled “disgraceful.”
The draft seeks to address climate change, the transition to clean energy, and funding for climate-related disasters, despite U.S. opposition. It also includes provisions to establish a fairer lending system for low-income countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s boycott follows claims — widely debunked — of persecution of the white minority in South Africa.
Trump has also rejected the summit’s agenda on supporting developing countries in tackling climate challenges.
Ramaphosa hopes the summit will strengthen South Africa’s role in multilateral diplomacy, while other members aim to make progress toward a meaningful final declaration, despite the challenges posed by the U.S. position.
