South Africa successfully led the first day of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on November 22, 2025, securing adoption of a Leaders’ Declaration at the meeting's start, amid diplomatic tensions from the US boycott and Argentina's reservations. The move pre-empted potential backtracking and highlighted South Africa's priorities on climate, debt, and gender equality, though compromises were necessary. Guest nations praised the host's composure as the summit proceeded smoothly.
The G20 Summit, hosted by South Africa in Johannesburg for the first time on African soil, kicked off on November 22, 2025, with President Cyril Ramaphosa making an unorthodox decision to adopt the Leaders’ Declaration at the beginning rather than the end. This strategy, sources suggested, aimed to prevent any backtracking, particularly from Argentina, a close US ally seen by many as its implicit representative.
The declaration was adopted without objection from attending members, excluding the absent United States, whose seat remained empty. Ramaphosa, unaware that cameras were still rolling after his opening address, quoted Pliny the Elder—“Always something new out of Africa”—and called for adoption by show of hands. International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola tapped his shoulder, and the sound cut off. A summit source confirmed the adoption proceeded smoothly in the subsequent closed session.
The document largely aligns with South Africa’s priorities, including support for gender empowerment, debt relief, and renewable energy in developing countries, though negotiators noted compromises due to resistance from countries like Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. Stronger language on climate change and geopolitical issues, such as Ukraine, was tempered. On gender, horse-trading preserved references amid Argentine discomfort with terms implying diverse identities. The title was adjusted to “G20 South Africa Summit: Leaders’ Declaration,” with the opening line reading: “We, the leaders of the G20 who gather in Johannesburg…” to reflect the US absence.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya emphasized principle in refusing a US-led handover at the closing ceremony: “It’s a position of principle. America chose to boycott this summit. That’s their prerogative to do so. But what cannot happen is breach of protocol being forced down our throats. We are a sovereign country.” Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri added: “We have marked them absent.” A low-key US handover is expected offsite next week.
Argentina’s Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno Magrane later objected to parts on Gaza, but the country had joined the consensus. Guest nations applauded South Africa’s hosting during a plenary, and family photos were taken that afternoon. One Western negotiator called it “a good declaration for South Africa, for the G20 and the world,” achieved after intense sherpa talks ending Friday morning. The summit continues on November 23.