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What is happening at the G20 meeting in South Africa?

Asked 3 hours ago

Answer

The G20 summit in South Africa marks the first time the event is held on African soil, focusing on climate action, debt relief, energy transition, and Africa's role in critical minerals. The US and several other major countries are boycotting or absent, but leaders adopted a declaration addressing climate and global challenges. The summit also saw new trade deals and calls for global unity, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and divisions.

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Africanews

South Africa says shared goals outweigh differences as G20 ends

Africanews · Just In
Africanews
Africanews
Just In
  • South Africa hosted and closed the first G20 summit on the African continent.
  • A leader's declaration was issued on the opening day despite strong US opposition. 9s
  • The summit called for global action to end conflicts, reduce poverty and inequality, and combat climate change. 19s
  • The United States will hold the next G20 presidency, but boycotted this summit. 1m 7s
  • The US boycott was due to President Trump's widely discredited claim about the treatment of South Africa's white Afrikaner minority. 1m 48s
International Politics

References

South Africa says shared goals outweigh differences as G20 ends
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Africanews
3 hours ago
South Africa says shared goals outweigh differences as G20 ends

South Africa closed the first G20 summit on the continent, issuing a leader's declaration despite US opposition. The summit focused on ending conflicts, reducing poverty and inequality, and addressing climate change. The US boycott was linked to President Trump's disputed claims about South Africa's treatment of its white Afrikaner minority.

China pledges to work more closely with South Africa
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Africanews
11 hours ago
China pledges to work more closely with South Africa

China's Premier Li Qian met with President Ramaphosa ahead of the G20 summit, pledging deeper cooperation and support for South Africa's economic development. China supports the G20 summit and aims to expand collaboration, including zero-tariff treatment for South African goods.

Leaders adopt declaration at Africa's first G20 summit
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Euronews
1 day ago
Leaders adopt declaration at Africa's first G20 summit

The G20 summit in South Africa opened with leaders adopting a declaration on the climate crisis and other global challenges, drafted without US input. The declaration uses language opposed by Washington and is non-negotiable. Leaders from major and emerging economies gathered to seek consensus on summit priorities, including alternatives to a US plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

G20 leaders seeking agreement in South Africa, despite U.S. boycott
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Reuters
1 day ago
G20 leaders seeking agreement in South Africa, despite U.S. boycott

South Africa hosts the first G20 summit on African soil, with a focus on climate action and debt relief. The absence of the US and other leaders dampens expectations for strong agreements, but remaining participants emphasize unity and Africa's energy needs.

Africa's first G20 summit opens with an ambitious agenda
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France 24
1 day ago
Africa's first G20 summit opens with an ambitious agenda

The G20 summit in Johannesburg is the first on African soil, with an agenda focused on advancing Africa's interests: debt relief, a just energy transition, and fair use of rare minerals. The US is boycotting the event, but the EU secured a critical minerals deal with South Africa, and leaders agreed on a draft declaration addressing climate change.

Trump’s G20 boycott could be to Canada's advantage
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CBC News
2 days ago
Trump’s G20 boycott could be to Canada's advantage

The US is boycotting the G20 summit in Johannesburg, with President Trump criticizing South Africa. Canadian officials are using the opportunity to promote investment and deepen trade ties, with the UAE pledging over $90 billion in investments to Canada.

Australia seeks trade deal with EU as U.S., China skip G20 summit
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10 News First
3 days ago
Australia seeks trade deal with EU as U.S., China skip G20 summit

The G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg is notable for the absence of major world leaders, including the US and China. Australian Prime Minister Albanese is seeking a trade deal with the EU, focusing on access for Australia's agriculture sector.

South Africa readies for G20 despite U.S. boycott
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Reuters
5 days ago
South Africa readies for G20 despite U.S. boycott

South Africa hosts the first G20 summit on the continent, focusing on climate action, debt relief, and clean energy transition. Expectations for progress are low due to geopolitical tensions and a US boycott. Despite this, other G20 members are collaborating on Africa's energy needs and critical minerals.

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