The G20 summit commenced on Saturday without the participation of the United States, which had decided to boycott the event. This development marked a significant shift in the global diplomatic landscape, as the absence of the world’s most influential nation left a void in discussions on international economic cooperation and global security.
During the opening plenary session, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa took the floor to address the assembly. His speech focused on the need for collective action and unity among the remaining G20 members to address pressing global issues, including climate change, economic inequality, and trade disputes. While some leaders expressed a more critical stance towards U.S. policies, others emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations for mutual benefit.
The summit provided an opportunity for countries to negotiate new agreements without direct U.S. involvement. However, the absence of the United States introduced uncertainties, particularly concerning the enforcement of international agreements and the potential impact on global economic stability. The leaders’ ability to forge meaningful progress without the U.S. will be closely monitored in the coming days, as the outcome could influence future international cooperation and policy decisions.