G20 leaders convening in Johannesburg on Saturday adopted a comprehensive declaration reaffirming their commitment to multilateral cooperation, inclusive development and global solidarity.
The Summit, hosted for the first time on African soil under South Africa’s presidency, advanced priorities championed by India during its influential G20 Presidency in 2023.
Despite the United States boycotting the meeting over concerns about the treatment of white farmers in South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised that the bloc remained united in its resolve.
He stated that the G20’s decisions show a shared belief that the world can overcome global challenges only through partnership and cooperation.
Opening the Summit, President Ramaphosa underlined the relevance of the African philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am because we are”, stressing the interconnectedness of nations.
The declaration pledged to ensure that no individual, society or country is left behind in global development efforts.
The document also echoed India’s 2023 priorities, particularly the focus on sustainable growth, human-centric development and greater representation for the Global South in international governance structures.
Commitment to Peace, Security and Countering Terrorism
The declaration reiterated the G20’s firm commitment to upholding the UN Charter, calling on all states to refrain from the use or threat of force. It stressed the need to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination.
Condemning terrorism in all forms, the leaders voiced strong support for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and regional bodies responsible for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and illicit financial flows.
They also pledged to strengthen global cooperation on asset recovery, transparency in financial systems and responsible innovation in virtual assets.
Addressing the session on inclusive and sustainable growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the concept of ‘Integral Humanism’, urging a balance between progress and planetary well-being.
He praised the South African presidency for advancing work in areas such as skilled migration, digital innovation, food security and women’s empowerment.
PM Modi proposed four initiatives to strengthen global resilience: a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, a G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, a G20 Global Healthcare Response Team, and a G20 effort to tackle the drug–terror nexus.
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