The G20 summit, a critical forum for global economic and political coordination, convened on Saturday without the United States, marking a significant departure from the usual participation of the world’s largest economy. While the U.S. had initially announced its absence, the summit still proceeded with leaders from nations such as China, India, and the European Union taking on a more prominent role in shaping the agenda.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa opened the summit with a call for collective action on issues like climate change, global health, and trade reform. Other leaders, including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized the need for multilateral cooperation and economic stability. Despite the absence of the U.S., some nations, including Germany and France, adopted a more critical tone toward former President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly his approach to international trade and climate agreements.
The lack of U.S. participation was seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for global cooperation. While some countries expressed frustration over the U.S. withdrawal from key international agreements, others saw the summit as a platform to strengthen alternative alliances and promote alternative policies. With the U.S. absent, the summit highlighted the growing importance of other nations in shaping global priorities and addressing shared challenges.