G20 summit declaration signals strong backing for developing countries

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Saturday that the declaration of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg had been adopted by an overwhelming majority of member states.

Ramaphosa said the outcome sends a clear signal to the international community that multilateralism remains vital and capable of delivering pragmatic results on key global issues.

As a major achievement of the 20th G20 summit, the declaration places strong emphasis on the urgent needs of developing countries and highlights cooperation in priority areas such as climate action, debt sustainability and inclusive growth.

On climate action, the declaration recognizes the urgency of addressing climate change and supports efforts to triple global renewable energy capacity. In terms of inclusive growth, it underscores the importance of broad-based development, higher industrial value-added and equitable access to critical mineral resources.

The declaration also underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation, reaffirming a collective commitment to multilateralism and calling on nations to work together in addressing shared global challenges.

Noting that the United States took an opposing position, Ramaphosa said the adoption of the declaration nonetheless demonstrates G20 members' firm resolve to confront common challenges and advance unity and cooperation.

He added that the outcome also establishes an important foundation for how the U.S. – which will hold the G20 presidency in 2026 – will approach future collaboration.