The G20 Summit in Johannesburg agrees on multilateralism and reform of the international system

The G20 summit in Johannesburg concluded its work by issuing a final statement that focused on strengthening global solidarity and reforming the international system, going beyond geopolitical challenges to emphasize multilateralism as the only way to confront crises.

The summit’s agenda topped the call for reform of the Security Council and United Nations institutions to be more representative of developing countries, stressing the need to respect international law and resolve disputes peacefully in global hotspots, and considering peace a basic condition for economic prosperity.

On the economic and development level, the leaders adopted a comprehensive vision to address debt crises in fragile countries by demanding greater transparency and activating debt-for-development swap mechanisms, in parallel with the launch of a new framework for managing critical minerals that ensures African countries achieve local added value instead of exporting raw materials, in addition to launching the second phase of the “G20 Compact with Africa.”

In the future files, the statement linked energy security and climate action, calling for a “just transition” that takes into account the African continent’s electricity needs, and the technical outcomes concluded with the adoption of the “Artificial Intelligence for Africa” initiative to enhance digital infrastructure and data governance.

In his closing speech on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed that the leaders’ declaration reflects a renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation, stressing that the summit’s success in reaching consensus on crucial issues proves that the common goals of world leaders transcend differences, especially in confronting climate crises and achieving economic justice.