The first G20 summit to be held on the African continent came to a close on Sunday, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa symbolically bringing down the gavel. The gathering, which took place in South Africa, marked a significant departure from tradition as it issued a leaders’ declaration on the opening day of talks, despite strong opposition from the United States. The US had been critical of the South African agenda, which prioritized climate change and global wealth inequality.

The declaration, according to Ramaphosa, reflects a “renewed commitment to multilateral cooperation” and acknowledges the interconnectedness of the global community. The summit’s timing was deemed crucial, as calls for progress on pressing global issues, including poverty, inequality, and climate change, continue to grow. Ramaphosa emphasized that the declaration demonstrates that shared goals outweigh differences and signifies a commitment to concrete actions to improve lives worldwide.

The summit’s outcome is notable, given the US’s decision to boycott the gathering due to President Donald Trump’s unsubstantiated claims of persecution of the white Afrikaner minority in South Africa. As a result, the traditional handover ceremony of the wooden gavel was not held, as Washington only intended to send an embassy official, which South Africa deemed an insult to Ramaphosa.

The United States is set to take over as G20 president in 2026 and has announced plans to host the summit at Trump’s golf club in Doral, Florida. The G20 summit’s rotation is significant, as it provides an opportunity for member countries to shape the global agenda and address pressing issues. The next summit is expected to build on the momentum generated in South Africa, with a focus on implementing the commitments outlined in the leaders’ declaration.

The successful conclusion of the summit in South Africa underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. As the international community looks to the next G20 summit, it is expected that the momentum generated in South Africa will be sustained, and concrete actions will be taken to address the pressing issues of our time. With the US set to take over the presidency, the next summit is likely to be closely watched, as the global community awaits the implementation of the commitments made in South Africa.