South Africa Steers G20 Amid U.S. Boycott and Climate Debate

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hosts the G20 summit despite a U.S. boycott. A draft declaration, addressing climate change, was prepared without U.S. input. Ramaphosa highlights Africa's first G20 presidency, emphasizing climate challenges and equitable economic measures. U.S. objections include climate discussions, impacting summit dynamics.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the G20 summit, which took place over the weekend, insisting on an overwhelming consensus for a summit declaration, even in light of the United States boycotting the event.

According to insiders, G20 envoys drafted a leaders' declaration without U.S. cooperation. The draft prominently included climate change discussions, opposed by the Trump administration, which refutes the scientific consensus on human-induced global warming.

Despite the boycott, Ramaphosa aimed to showcase South Africa's multilateral diplomacy efforts. The agenda included addressing climate challenges, clean energy transitions, and equitable borrowing for poorer nations. President Trump declined to attend, citing concerns with South Africa's governing agenda, which impacted the summit's proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)