G20 Summit Commences in Johannesburg Amid Calls for Global Action and US Boycott

Johannesburg, South Africa – November 22, 2025 – The Group of 20 (G20) Summit officially began today in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together leaders from the world's major economies to address pressing global issues, including inclusive economic growth, climate change, and international cooperation. The summit proceeds despite a notable boycott by the United States, with participating nations pushing for a declaration to tackle shared challenges.

The highly anticipated G20 Summit kicked off in Johannesburg today, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opening proceedings and emphasizing the importance of preserving the group's integrity and stature. Leaders and high-ranking government officials from the richest and leading emerging economies have converged at an exhibition center near Soweto, aiming to forge consensus on priorities set by the host nation.

Key discussions are expected to revolve around global development parameters, sustainable economic growth, and the urgent need for action on climate change. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a prominent attendee, called for a profound rethinking of global development strategies and proposed a G20 initiative to combat the nexus of drugs and terrorism, alongside a global healthcare response team. He advocated for inclusive and sustainable growth, citing India's civilizational values and the principle of Integral Humanism as a potential way forward.

The summit has drawn international attention not only for its ambitious agenda but also for the absence of the United States, which is boycotting the event. Despite the US boycott, the G20 leaders adopted a declaration on the opening day. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who arrived in Johannesburg on Friday, urged the G20 nations to leverage their immense power to alleviate global suffering and steer the world towards a more peaceful trajectory.

Other notable events unfolding globally today include a landmark £4 billion maritime deal between the UK and Indonesia, aimed at boosting British jobs and enhancing Indo-Pacific security. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, a disturbing incident saw over 300 students and teachers kidnapped from a school, marking the second such occurrence this week. In the aviation sector, an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet tragically crashed during the Dubai Air Show, resulting in the death of the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal.