CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The Group of 20’s gathering in South Africa was marred by the unexpected absence of U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and several other prominent figures. Bessent cited prior commitments in Washington for his non-attendance, echoing concerns raised during a recent G20 foreign ministers meeting where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio boycotted the event. The Trump administration’s public criticisms of South Africa and the G20 themes have drawn attention, with some key officials opting to skip the summit.
South Africa, holding the G20 presidency this year as the first African nation to do so, has pledged to prioritize issues affecting poorer countries such as debt relief and climate change. The G20, comprising major economies, the European Union, and the African Union, represents a significant portion of the global population and GDP.
Despite the notable absences of finance ministers from China, Japan, India, and Canada, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of addressing climate-related challenges, relieving debt burdens, and promoting sustainable practices. The summit aims to facilitate collective action towards a resilient, sustainable, and equitable global economy.
While expectations were mixed regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on international cooperation within the G20, the administration’s critiques of South Africa’s priorities have raised concerns. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, dismissing the G20’s themes of solidarity and sustainability, expressed intentions to skip the main summit in November. Trump has yet to respond to an invitation for a state visit during the G20 summit.
Amidst the complexities of global cooperation, the G20 faces challenges in achieving consensus on pressing issues. Recent tensions stemming from Russia’s conflict with Ukraine have underscored these hurdles. South Africa remains optimistic about fostering agreement among nations, particularly in light of the worsening debt situations highlighted by the United Nations Development Program.
As the G20 continues its deliberations, the international community looks towards collaborative efforts to address shared challenges and pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable global economy.
In a recent report, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlighted the potential for the current economic turmoil to escalate into more profound solvency crises across multiple countries. Furthermore, analysts in Africa have emphasized the pivotal role of the G20 in bridging the gap between affluent and less developed nations. They see the G20 as a crucial platform for reigniting a global commitment to addressing climate change in the aftermath of the United States’ decision to exit the Paris climate agreement under the Trump administration. The Institute for Security Studies in South Africa has expressed concerns that Africa and other developing regions will bear the brunt of the adverse effects resulting from reduced global efforts to combat climate change. According to the Institute, these regions are likely to be the “first victims” of diminished climate action on a global scale. To access more information, visit AP Africa News: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
