• G20 summit in South Africa adopted a climate declaration without US input.
• South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized overwhelming consensus at the summit.
• The US boycott highlighted tensions in international diplomatic relations.
• The declaration includes strong commitments to addressing climate change and supporting poor nations.
• Ramaphosa expressed that the adopted document reflects a renewal of multilateralism.

During the recent G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, world leaders adopted a landmark declaration addressing the climate crisis, moving forward despite a boycott from the United States. President Cyril Ramaphosa stated there was "overwhelming consensus" among participating nations for the declaration, which included crucial references to climate change—an area of contention for the Trump administration. The White House had derogatorily referred to the drafting of this declaration as "shameful," indicating strong objections to the language used, particularly regarding climate change and renewable energy adaptations, according to The Jakarta Post and Channel News Asia.

Ramaphosa's spokesperson noted that the declaration was adopted unusually early in the agenda of the summit proceedings, highlighting strong support among the leaders present. South Africa's leadership aimed to accentuate multilateral cooperation, with Ramaphosa mentioning the shared goals among nations overshadowing their differences. The summit's declaration espoused commitments like reinforcing the call for renewable energy and alleviating debt burdens on poorer countries, as echoed in reports from India Times and Reuters.

The US boycott stemmed from allegations that South Africa's government persecutes its white minority, which have been widely discredited. Trump's absence at the summit was coupled with a rejection of South Africa's agenda, which focused on climate action and energy transition. This has created significant diplomatic tensions between the US and South Africa, as Ramaphosa also stated, "the US objected to the wording of the declaration," reinforcing the divide between the host nation's objectives and US policy, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The upcoming G20 presidency will move to the US in 2026, but South Africa has declined a US proposal to send a representative to hand over the presidency in Trump's absence, citing a breach of protocol. This decision underscores the ongoing diplomatic friction, further limiting the chances for a smoother transition. Analysts interpret the early adoption of the G20 declaration as a clear signal of international unity against US pressure, emphasizing global dedication to climate initiatives, as reflected in multiple reports, particularly from India Times and Reuters.