G20
World leaders at the G20 summit in Johannesburg have called for urgent global action against deepening inequalities in developing countries. Their declaration highlights disaster resilience, fair energy transitions, mineral-driven development and debt reform to support the most vulnerable nations.
At the opening of the Johannesburg G20 Summit — the first ever held on African soil — global leaders adopted a sweeping declaration under the banner of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability, placing inequality in the Global South firmly on the agenda. The 122-point document reflects a rare moment of unity on fault lines that have long divided rich and poor nations.
The leaders’ declaration warns that intensifying climate shocks and disasters are undermining development and overburdening national systems, especially in vulnerable and least-developed states. In response, they called for people-centred disaster resilience policies and stronger integrated efforts to protect those at greatest risk.
Energy justice featured prominently: the declaration pointed to the stark reality that over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity. Leaders pledged to triple global renewable-capacity expansion and double energy-efficiency gains by 2030, while also mobilising low-cost finance, encouraging technology transfer, and supporting developing countries on favourable terms.
On critical minerals — vital to the green economy and the energy transition — the G20 agreed a voluntary “Critical Minerals Framework”. It calls for value-addition in mineral-rich countries to spur inclusive industrialisation, rather than simply exporting raw materials. This, the declaration argues, will help transform resource wealth into sustainable development.
Debt was another central issue. Leaders acknowledged that high debt burdens are choking low- and middle-income economies, cutting into essential investments in healthcare, education and resilience. They called for more transparent lending, a review of global financial institutions, and a more supportive international financial architecture that serves the interests of developing nations.
The declaration also emphasises reform of multilateral systems, and supports voluntary measures to improve international tax cooperation and sustainability. It reflects a shared recognition that deep global challenges require cooperative, equitable and systemic solutions.
