The highly anticipated G20 summit kicked off this weekend in Johannesburg, marking the first time the forum has ever convened on African soil. While the event was overshadowed by President Trump’s decision to boycott over diplomatic disputes with South Africa, leaders from across the globe nonetheless reached swift consensus on a declaration prioritizing urgent climate action and the plight of developing nations.

With South Africa setting the agenda, the summit focused on boosting support for nations grappling with climate disasters, promoting a transition to green energy, and alleviating crippling debt for poorer countries. The leaders’ declaration, adopted unusually at the beginning of the summit rather than at its close, puts a strong emphasis on global equity and solidarity—a shift from positions traditionally resisted by the US.

The Trump administration has long denied that climate change is primarily caused by human activity and accused South Africa’s government of discrimination against its white minority population, fueling the US decision to boycott. Still, multinational unity was on display, with France’s President Emmanuel Macron remarking, “I regret the US absence, but our duty is to work together as the world faces massive challenges.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a clear consensus among attendees and rejected American pressure to water down the summit’s output. The declaration’s adoption signals stronger resolve among non-Western economies and developing nations to push for more direct action on pressing issues, regardless of US participation.

With America set to assume the G20 presidency next, all eyes remain on how global priorities—now firmly shaped by developing world voices—will evolve in the coming year. For now, South Africa’s historic G20 moment highlights Africa’s growing diplomatic influence on the international stage.