G20 leaders agree on key steps

The G20 Leaders’ Summit continued at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday with the release of key elements of the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, marking a major moment for South Africa as the first African country to host the gathering. Delegations remained in closed sessions throughout the day as they worked through a wide scope of global challenges including conflict, rising inequality, food insecurity, debt distress, and the need for sustainable development.

South Africa has used its Presidency of the G20 to place Africa at the centre of the global economic agenda. Officials said the focus was on promoting inclusive growth, strengthening multilateral cooperation and ensuring that the voices of developing nations are reflected in the outcomes.

The declaration opens by recognising the significance of holding the summit on African soil and highlights the philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasises cooperation and collective responsibility. Leaders stated that no nation can prosper without working with others and that global partnerships must be strengthened to ensure progress for all.

The declaration notes that the summit takes place during a period of heightened geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty and social instability. Leaders cited rising conflicts and wars, financial fragmentation, and the widening gap between developed and developing nations.

They acknowledged deep concerns over the human cost of global conflicts and stressed the importance of multilateralism to address shared threats. The declaration reaffirms respect for international law and calls for peaceful settlement of disputes. Leaders condemn attacks on civilians and essential infrastructure in all conflict zones.

The declaration outlines a joint commitment to support efforts toward peace in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Ukraine. Leaders agreed that sustainable development cannot be achieved while wars continue and that a global commitment to ending conflict remains essential.

A major feature of the declaration is the recognition of the growing impact of disasters linked to natural hazards, environmental degradation and climate change. Leaders noted the increasing frequency of extreme heat, droughts, floods, earthquakes and wildfires.

They highlighted the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries that lack the financial capacity to adapt or rebuild after disasters. The declaration calls for more coordinated disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery efforts, and urges development banks, donors and private sector partners to support poorer nations with sustainable and long term resilience programmes.

Debt sustainability also forms a central part of the document. Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to support low income and middle income countries facing debt pressures. They endorsed the G20 Ministerial Declaration on Debt Sustainability and emphasised the need to strengthen the G20 Common Framework for debt treatment.

Leaders highlighted the importance of greater transparency from all creditors, including the private sector, and endorsed ongoing work by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to improve debt analysis tools. The declaration notes the potential role of crisis resilient debt clauses and voluntary debt for development swaps, while recognising the need for careful case by case evaluation.

Energy security receives detailed attention in the declaration, particularly in relation to Africa. Leaders noted that over 600 million Africans still have no access to electricity and one billion lack access to clean cooking technologies. The declaration states that energy access is essential for sovereignty, economic stability and growth.

Leaders welcomed the G20 South Africa Presidency’s Voluntary Energy Security Toolkit which supports integrated national planning on energy technology, emergency preparedness, regional connections and workforce development. The declaration also stresses the need for just energy transitions that take account of national circumstances and the capacity of developing countries.

On economic matters, the declaration identifies inequality, unemployment and under employment as major threats to global growth. Leaders support inclusive industrial policies that can drive productivity, create high quality jobs and strengthen economic resilience.

They welcomed the G20 high level principles on sustainable industrial policy and encouraged global cooperation to support developing countries to expand their manufacturing sectors. The declaration also acknowledges the need for stability in the global economy in order to facilitate trade, investment and innovation.

Food security remains another major area of concern. Leaders stated that 720 million people experienced hunger in 2024 and that 2.6 billion could not afford healthy diets. They reaffirmed that food is central to human life and that the G20 must intensify efforts to support the right to food. Leaders condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare and called for strengthened political will to expand global access to nutritious food.

Digital technology and artificial intelligence are highlighted as tools that can support sustainable development. Leaders reaffirmed previous G20 principles on the governance of artificial intelligence and supported continued international cooperation to ensure that digital innovation benefits all countries and reduces inequalities. They welcomed the work of the G20 task force on artificial intelligence, data governance and innovation.

Africa features prominently throughout the declaration. Leaders reaffirmed strong support for African economic growth, trade and job creation, and recognised the importance of private sector investment in unlocking opportunities on the continent. The declaration notes Africa’s role in global economic stability and welcomes the African Union’s participation as a full member of the G20.

As the summit continues, the declaration ends by reiterating the collective commitment of G20 members. Leaders affirm that the G20 remains the premier forum for international economic cooperation. They express support for continued multilateral engagement based on consensus and equal participation by all members.

Leaders thank South Africa for its leadership during the 2025 Presidency and confirm ongoing cooperation under the United States Presidency in 2026. They note that the United Kingdom will host the summit in 2027 and that the Republic of Korea will assume the role in 2028. Leaders also welcome Saudi Arabia’s interest in advancing its turn to host the G20 Presidency in the next cycle.