The G20 Declaration of 2025: Climate, Debt, and Security

In November 2025, the G20 summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was the first time the meeting took place on African soil. Leaders adopted the declaration on the first day, breaking with tradition where such agreements are usually signed at the end.

The declaration highlighted several urgent issues. On climate change, leaders noted that developing countries will need between 5.8 and 5.9 trillion dollars in financing to meet global goals. Debt relief measures were directed at low-income countries, many of which spend more than 40 percent of government revenue on debt servicing. A new Critical Minerals Framework was introduced to guide sustainable use of resources across more than 48 mineral-producing nations. Terrorism was condemned in all forms, and safeguards around artificial intelligence were included. Reform of global governance was also discussed, with calls for changes to the United Nations Security Council supported by over half of G20 members.

Politically, the United States boycotted the declaration, but 19 other members signed on. South Africa emphasized Africa’s leadership, hosting more than 30 heads of state and government. India’s priorities, including strong anti-terror language and climate finance, were clearly reflected. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the declaration as a rebuke to Donald Trump’s climate stance.

The 2025 G20 Declaration is significant because it combines trillions in climate finance needs, new frameworks for minerals and debt relief, and strong anti-terror language. Numbers such as 5.9 trillion dollars in climate financing, 19 nations in agreement, and 30 leaders present show the scale of cooperation required to address global challenges.