Aksha Dinkar/Sakshi Sinha/Dr Saket Dinkar
Johannesburg/London/New Delhi
22th November 25
In a significant diplomatic development, G20 member countries have unanimously adopted a historic declaration on climate change at the summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa. The agreement was finalized despite the United States’ formal opposition and its decision to boycott the summit entirely.
The move marks a rare departure from long-standing G20 tradition, where major decisions are typically made with full participation of all member nations. This time, world leaders proceeded without U.S. involvement, sending a strong and symbolic message regarding global unity on climate action.
According to diplomatic sources, Washington’s boycott was triggered by ongoing political and diplomatic disagreements between the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump and the host nation, South Africa. Despite the absence of one of the group’s most influential members, the remaining countries demonstrated collective resolve by endorsing a unified declaration aimed at accelerating global climate efforts.
Officials in Johannesburg described the outcome as a crucial step in reinforcing international commitment to combating climate change, even as geopolitical tensions continue to challenge multilateral cooperation.
